On October 8, 2026, a delegation from Changchun, China, journeyed approximately 8,400 kilometers to Turin, Italy, to receive the symbolic Flame of Knowledge for the upcoming 33rd Winter World University Games. The torch transfer marked a significant step in the lead-up to the event scheduled to open in Changchun, the capital of Jilin province, on January 15, 2027.
The flame was ceremonially moved from a traditional cauldron into a lantern adorned with the Changchun 2027 emblem at the University of Turin. Following this, a procession carried the flame through key cultural landmarks across the city, reflecting Turin’s rich intellectual and artistic heritage. The route included stops at the University of Turin, the Egyptian Museum, the Albertina Academy of Fine Arts, and the Polytechnic University of Turin (PoliTO).
Each location showcased unique aspects of Turin’s history. Founded more than six centuries ago, the University of Turin represented the city’s long-standing tradition of higher education. The Egyptian Museum houses one of the world’s most significant collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the temple of Ellesiya, donated by Egypt in the 1960s. The Albertina Academy is noted for its Renaissance-era preparatory drawings and artistic education, while PoliTO is recognized for its contributions to automotive and aerospace engineering. Between these venues, the procession route offered views of historic palaces, Renaissance frescoes, and sculptures, underscoring Turin’s cultural depth.
The Chinese delegation presented their own cultural traditions during the transfer ceremony, which lasted over an hour. Featured performances included the “Dance of the Auspicious Cranes,” symbolizing good fortune and longevity, and “Songs of the North: The Monkey King Defies the Snow,” a musical theater combining traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu and pipa with themes of Changchun’s winter tourism. Wang Qingfeng, a Changchun cultural ambassador known for his portrayal of the Monkey King, added engaging and humorous elements to the show.
After the formal program, performers brought the celebration into Turin’s streets, transforming the event into an open-air cultural festivity. Observers noted a vibrant exchange reminiscent of a friendly artistic competition between Changchun, the event’s future host city, and Turin, long regarded as the birthplace and custodian of the Universiade tradition.
The event highlighted parallels between cultural and sporting exchanges. Both promote shared human experiences—whether through athletic competition testing strength and endurance or through artistic expression celebrating creativity and imagination. They serve as platforms to bridge differences in language, nationality, and history, fostering mutual understanding.
As preparations continue, Changchun is set to welcome athletes from around the world to compete and engage in cultural exchange during the Winter Universiade beginning in mid-January 2027.