The first Student (Youth) Games of China opened on Nov 5 in Nanning, capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Performances combining the elements of sports, physical education and literacy with Guangxi's magnificent landscapes, colorful nationalities and open development were staged during the opening ceremony.

At 21:12, the lighting ceremony for the main torch was held. The flame of the Student (Youth) Games was taken from Beihai's Hepu, the starting port of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. It was then carried to 14 prefecture-level cities in Guangxi, before arriving at the main stadium of the Guangxi Sports Center.

The Student (Youth) Games, resulting from the merger of the former National Youth Games and the National Student Games, is an important measure to deepen the integration of sports and education. 

This year's event consists of 39 major events and 805 minor events, involving nearly 18,000 athletes. Of these, Guangxi is hosting 35 major events and 768 minor events.

The first Student (Youth) Games of China opens in Nanning on Nov 5. [Photo by Zhou Jun/Guangxi Daily]