The Olympic flame is a symbol of unity, history, and human achievement. Its journey connects two extraordinary World Heritage Sites: Lascaux Cave in France and Furong Cave in China.
A file photo shows a replica of a Lascaux Cave painting on display at the International Centre of Parietal Art in France. /CFP
Nestled in southern France, Lascaux Cave is renowned for its stunning 17,000-year-old cave paintings. These ancient masterpieces, depicting animals and scenes of human life from the late Upper Paleolithic era, showcase remarkable painting techniques and lifelike details. They stand as some of humanity's earliest artistic expressions.
To protect the site, the original cave was closed to the public in 1963. Visitors can now explore a replica, Lascaux Cave II.
A file photo shows a view of Furong Cave in Wulong, southwest China's Chongqing. /CFP
Located in Wulong, Chongqing, Furong Cave is now a national-level tourist attraction in China. This vast limestone cave, formed during the Quaternary period around 1.2 million years ago, features ancient Cambrian dolomitic limestone. With a stable deep-cave temperature of 16.1 degrees Celsius, Furong Cave is a testament to natural history.
As the Olympic flame passes through these remarkable sites, it not only celebrates athletic excellence but also highlights the rich cultural and natural heritage that defines our shared history.