The torch relay for the 19th Asian Games started in Hangzhou, the event's host city in east China's Zhejiang Province, on Friday.   

The torch will tour the cities of Huzhou, Jiaxing, Shaoxing, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Taizhou, Wenzhou, Lishui, Jinhua and Quzhou in the following days, and return to Hangzhou on September 20 for the last leg, with the opening ceremony scheduled to take place on September 23.   

The first day of the relay features 106 torchbearers from all walks of life, covering a route of 5.2 kilometers that circles Hangzhou's iconic landmark, the West Lake.

The relay will showcase the unique characteristics and cultural significance of the 11 cities, and echo the theme of "green, smart, economical and ethical."

"The torch relay route is meticulously designed in accordance with the theme of 'Picturesque and Dynamic Zhejiang,'" explained Du Zuofeng, deputy commander of the torch relay command center of the Hangzhou Asian Games.

"Its goal is to showcase the profound historical and cultural heritage, breathtaking natural scenery, remarkable achievements in economic and social development of Zhejiang, and the warm hospitality and enthusiasm of its people," he added.

To ensure the safety of the torch relay, the operational team has undertaken comprehensive preparations.

"The torch for the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, named 'Eternal Flame,' possesses strong resistance to both wind and rain," Du revealed. "For instance, the torch can maintain a burning flame in winds of 8 to 11, and can be ignited even under heavy rainfall of 300 mm/h."

The design of the torch is inspired by the Liangzhu Culture, which is a testament to the 5000-year-old Chinese civilization. The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, which was first discovered in Yuhang County of Hangzhou in 1936, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. 

The torch adopted blockchain technology to ensure the liability of its traceability mechanism, adding cutting-edge technology to its cultural representation.

Meanwhile, Du emphasized that each city will foster a warm atmosphere for the relay, while striving to minimize disruption to the daily lives of citizens.

He also introduced that an "Online Digital Torchbearer" relay activity was launched on June 15 following the Asian Games Flame Lighting Ceremony, with the number of participants surpassing 84 million as of Friday, September 8.

"Digital torchbearers from around the world will actively participate in some crucial segments of the opening ceremony," said Du.

(With input from Xinhua)