A display case showcases the torches and mascots of the upcoming and former World University Games at the Chengdu FISU World University Games Museum in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province on July 24, 2023. Photo: VCG

The torch relay for the 31st International University Sports Federation (FISU) Summer World University Games in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, successfully concluded on Wednesday, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday. Featuring Sichuan's iconic giant panda on its front as well as bronze statue unearthed from the local Sanxingdui Ruins on its sides, the Games torch, named Ronghuo, has grasped the attention of the public with its design as well as the amazing technology behind its charming design.

In an exclusive interview on Thursday, the torch developers from the 31 Research Institute of the Third Academy of State-owned aerospace giant China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation (CASIC) told the Global Times that they integrated advanced aerospace engine technology in the development of the torch. They also noted that the materials from which the torch is made are fully recyclable, which embodies the green and low-carbon concepts driving the 2023 Chengdu Universiade . 

Having supported the development of the torches for both the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, the 31 Research Institute has introduced new innovations in the latest Chengdu iteration. 

It is not difficult to simply ignite a torch, but the key challenge lies in sustaining the flame in a beautiful state, Liu Xiaoyong, deputy director of the 31 Research Institute, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

"The biggest challenge in the development of this torch is how to combine the flame shape and flame color with the dazzling appearance of Ronghuo," said Liu said, who is also the chief technical engineer of the project.

He explained that in order to perfectly present the unique artistic beauty of the Ronghuo torch while also considering the dynamic and elegant effect of the flame, the research and development team adopted different combustion techniques from the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch and special production processing techniques.

The aerospace engine-empowered torch is highly reliable and clean. It is fueled by biomass propane. Its flame - light yellow in color - is capable of sustaining a flexible and elegant form for 15 minutes, resisting wind force up to 30 meter per second and rainfall at 50 millimeter per hour. It could also weather extreme cold of minus 40C, the Global Times learned from the CASIC institute. 

The torch body was also manufactured using 3D printing technology, displaying the smart technology concept that the Chengdu Universiade promotes. 

According to Xu Liaoyuan, the art designer of the torch and curator of the Xu Liaoyuan Museum of Modern Art and Design located in Chengdu, the name Ronghuo means "fire of the Chengdu," as Rong is an alternate name for Chengdu. Ronghuo also sounds similar to the word ronghe in Chinese, which means "fusion" and reflects the city's inclusiveness, according to local media.