Published on
November 3, 2025
The 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China started with a radiant celebration. Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen lit the flame of unity and excellence. With the shimmering backdrop of Victoria Harbour and the shared rhythm of a region moving forward, the torch relay started simultaneously at all four locations, marking unity and cooperation in the Greater Bay Area.
For Hong Kong residents, the torch’s journey was much more than the start of a sporting event. It was a moment of celebration and cultural unity. People came to the city’s beautiful skies and scenic roads, waving their flags and cheering as the torch flame passed and shared the torch’s journey. It marked the spirit of the torch and proud anticipation that had been waiting ever since Hong Kong’s last major sporting event at the national level.
First Time In History
For the National Games, this was the first time the torch relay was started at the same time across multiple cities. Each city across the nation was able to prepare its own celebrations and traditions to bring its own unique style to the celebrations.
In Hong Kong, the events started with the lighting of the torch at the Tamar Central Government Offices. This was the start of the torch’s journey, traversing the busy streets of the city. With local sportsmen, community leaders, and people of the community all coming together, the events showed the blend of solemnity with the joy of celebration with the return of the games to the area.
An enthusiastic start was also witnessed in Shenzhen, the center of technology and innovation. The city’s organizers highlighted the vision for the city as a modern and innovative, forward-looking metropolis, and modern sports culture in China. Evidence of the connected and borderless nature of sport was shown in the simultaneous participation of Macao and Guangzhou.
The Vibrant Route of Hong Kong
The route of the relay in Hong Kong was around ten kilometers long and, for the most part, passed through the well-known and beautiful areas of the city. The route started at Tamar and went through the Central and Western District Promenade, Wan Chai waterfront, and almost all the way to the Golden Bauhinia Square and the Monument in Commemoration of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland.
The torch was then carried across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, which is a symbol of the city’s maritime history, as well as a beloved symbol to countless residents of Hong Kong for decades. When the torch reached the Kowloon side, the flame walked through the vibrant streets of Tsim Sha Tsui as the Hong Kong skyline lit up with the morning sun. The route for the relay ended with a symbolic jog to the Kai Tak Sports Park, which will be used for large-scale sports and entertainment events.
The relay was intended to connect different local communities, signaling Hong Kong’s ability to withstand trials and the positive energy that goes with it. The residents proudly watched and cheered as the relay passed by, showing the unity of the city and the rest of the nation.
Inspirational Torchbearers
Among torchbearers was Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of the GAC Group. He was the eighth torchbearer of the Hong Kong section. Feng’s participation was no doubt symbolic, especially since it was 15 years since he was a torchbearer at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. He was again the torchbearer of the spirit of perseverance and progress.
This also shows how much GAC Group values participation in national sporting events. GAC Group was the Official Automotive Partner of the 15th National Games and the Para & Special Games and provided mobility services in all regions of the torch relay. From the Pearl River to Victoria Harbour, GAC provided mobility services during the torch relay, highlighting the integration of innovative technology and celebration of sports.
GAC Group has earned national technological advancements, especially in mobility services and smart technology, during the 2025 torch relay. GAC Group’s E9 PHEV and HYPTEC HT were used during the event as command and service vehicles. These cars showcased technology advancements and performed the role of smart and low-carbon vehicles.
To fit the GAC Group’s adaptability to the region, custom right-hand drive vehicles were prepared for Hong Kong and Macao. Adding to the excitement, the event also showcased innovative autonomous vehicles, embodied humanoid robots, and flying cars. These futuristic technologies mirrored the innovative city and the integration of smart environmental practices for the national event. For the first time, an Intelligent Mobility Service Center was set up to observe and assist every service operation in the relay. This round-the-clock operation was able to provide the necessary safety, dependability, and quick emergency response over several cities, relieving participants and the public.
Cultural Symbolism and Regional Unity
The relay was an important milestone in several aspects, and its value extended well beyond the technological and logistical. The simultaneous start in the Greater Bay Area represented the intertwined cultural and economic relationships of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Each piece of the relay embraced a different aspect of the local history: the maritime legacy of Hong Kong, the Macao Portuguese-Chinese fusion, the commerce history of Guangzhou, and the innovation of technology in Shenzhen.
The relay also served as an important milestone in the region’s tourism and cultural industries. This was due to the Games nearing, and was an open invitation to travelers to visit the Bay Area and its cities, modern facilities, and picturesque landscapes.
Looking Forward to the Games
As the Olympic Flame nears its final destination, the Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre, and the beginning of the 15th National Games, this increases the anticipation for the Games Opening. Organisers made it clear, the Games will be inclusive, sustainable, and inspiring. These points touch the vision as the Games are seen as friendly, green, and socially enriching to the people.
Starting the celebrations, the torch relay has set the expected positive tone. It has reminded so many that sporting activities are about the community to which people belong, people’s nationalities, and people coming together as one.
Conclusion
Starting from the beautiful skyline of Hong Kong, and moving towards the National Games torch relay to the beautiful skyline of Guangzhou and the gorgeous Shenzhen, the relay captured the beat of the nation. These are the beginnings of the sporting festival, as well as, the bridge of friendship, hope, and innovation.
