Chengdu World Games epic grand opening highlights harmony, unity & Sichuan's giant puppets

Set against the stunning backdrop of Qinhuang Lake and the city skyline, the 12th Chengdu World Games made a dazzling opening on Thursday night, welcoming 6,679 athletes and officials from 116 countries and regions.

This years’ theme is titled: “Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders,” the 90-minute-long opening ceremony highlight Chengdu’s rich heritage and above all, the display of majestic puppet show, where dozens of puppeteers from Sichuan province showcased giant puppets, that are making abuzz online.

Let’s get dive into the dazzling key moments of the opening night of Chengdu World Games 2025:

Sichaun’ giant puppets: 300 years old Dynasty

Fun facts:

Originating in the Qing Dynasty over 300 years ago, northern Sichuan’s giant puppets are 1.4 meters tall, weighing up to five kg.

These life-sized rod puppet perform stunning feats such as face-changing, calligraphy and dancing.

One family under a roof

About 10,000 spectators gathered beneath the 430 meter-long “Tianfu Roof,” the largest timber structure in Asia. The roof was illuminated with LED screens displaying the Games’ logo and the thrilling moments.

displaying the Games’ logo and the thrilling moments.

Fireworks show delivers stunning connotations

Fireworks illuminated the night sky with dazzling displays, climaxing in a radiant ‘W’ that symbolized the Games’ emblem and warmly welcomed global guests as the event officially kicked off.

Historic cauldron lighting at the TWG

A World Games first: a cauldron tower on Qinhuang Lake was lit in a thrilling display, as two wave-making boats pulled water skiers across the lake to ignite the flame.

Kids around the globe unite with a song of friendship

The ceremony wrapped up with a stunning international children’s ensemble, featuring young singers from China, the US, Italy, and more.

The opening ceremony of the 12th Chengdu World Games, conveyed a message of hope, showcased through various acts highlighting that if fire and water can coexist in harmony, then all conflicts in the world can be reconciled.