Ningbo company takes center stage at Asian Games opening ceremony

Dafeng designed the main torch tower. [Photo provided by Zhejiang Dafeng Industry]

A Ningbo-based company played a key behind-the-scenes role in the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sept 19.

Zhejiang Dafeng Industry, an exclusive partner of the Olympic Council of Asia for the Games' opening and closing ceremonies, served as the overall solutions provider. It was involved in creative planning, directing and production, digital content, the design and production of the main cauldron, performance execution, and event operations.

The centerpiece was the heart-shaped main torch tower, produced at Dafeng's manufacturing base in Yuyao, a county-level city of Ningbo, and shipped to Japan in August. Its design combines heartbeat and love imagery with Nagoya's industrial heritage, conveying the vision of "One Asia, One Heartbeat".

The cauldron employs a low-carbon "fire from water" technology, creating a flame-like effect with water mist and lighting without traditional fuels. The technology is expected to cut more than 200 metric tons of carbon emissions during the Games.

For Dafeng, the project marks a step from exporting equipment to taking Chinese creativity and standards to the global stage. Its overseas projects now span more than 100 countries and regions.