A major torch relay will be held simultaneously across Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen on November 2, as announced at a press conference in Guangzhou on October 27. The event will feature 200 torchbearers, each running 50 to 100 meters.
The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. in Shenzhen, followed by simultaneous runs in Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangzhou at 9:30 a.m. After the relay, the flame from each city will be returned to Guangzhou, where a flame-integration ceremony will take place around 5:00 p.m. at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center.
Each city's route has been designed to reflect its unique cultural and urban identity. Guangzhou's segment, themed "Millennial Commercial City," will connect historic sites like Zhenhai Tower and the Five-Ram Sculpture with modern landmarks such as Zhujiang New Town. Shenzhen will highlight its role as a "City of Openness," passing by administrative centers and tech hubs like the Qianhai International Convention Center. Hong Kong's route will feature crossing Victoria Harbour by ferry and open-top bus, passing many famous landmarks, while Macao's 2.6-kilometer path will feature UNESCO-listed sites, underscoring its cultural fusion.
The relay will also incorporate innovative technology, with segments handled by smart robots, self-driving vehicles, and low-altitude aircraft, showcasing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's strength in technological innovation. In addition, each city will organize cultural activities along the route—such as lion dances, Cantonese opera, and youth performances—to engage the public and enhance the festive atmosphere.
Torchbearers have been selected from a wide range of backgrounds, including sports figures (29%), model workers (46%), and frontline workers (21%), with special representation from groups such as delivery riders, nurses, and bus drivers, highlighting the diversity and grassroots spirit of the region.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Guangdong Organizing Committee of the 15th National Games
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
