Ignited in Torino, the “Flame of Knowledge” has started its journey to Changchun

In less than 100 days, the flame born today at the University of Torino Rectorate will light up the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade Opening Ceremony.

The torch is lit, and less than 100 days remain until the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade. Preparations are in full swing as the city gets ready to welcome student-athletes from around the world.

Today, in Torino, where the Universiade has its origins, the “Flame of Knowledge” was lit during a traditional ceremony attended by over 70 Chinese representatives, including Changchung Mayor Gu Gang. “This ceremony marks the true beginning of our event”, he said with enthusiasm. “Carrying the flame back to China symbolises us welcoming student-athletes from all over the world to compete in Changchun, the “capital of powder snow”. “

Conveying common values

“The lighting of the “Flame of Knowledge” in Torino always represents a strong link between the birthplace of the Universiade and the future host”, said FISU President Leonz Eder. “In this case, it is also a link between the last host of the Winter Universiade in 2025 and the next one. The flame will travel to China and then all around the country’s universities to convey common values of peace, friendship and inclusion and to join, as FISU does, excellence in both mind and body”.

Immediately after the ceremony, the “Flame of Knowledge” started its journey from Via Verdi, reaching the scenic “Gallery of the Kings” at the Egyptian Museum, the Murazzi of the Po, stopping at the Castello del Valentino, the historic headquarters of the Polytechnic University of Turin.

The very first flame relay

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The toarchbearers included UniTo Rector Cristina Prandi, PoliTo Vice-Rector Elena Maria Baralis, FISU President Leonz Eder, European Rowing Champion Tito Christoforakis (Global Law and Transnational Legal Studies – UniTo), World University Champion Simone Pappalepore (Economics and Statistics – UniTo), Italian Freestyle Wrestling Champion Martino Piliero (SUISM – UniTo), basketball player Matteo Francione (Computer Science – UniTo), rower Carlo Alberto Strazzulla (Mechanical Engineering – PoliTo), and a Chinese athlete from CUS Turin Table Tennis Shurui Chen as well as a delegation of Chinese students.

“For the University of Turin, it is an honor that the Torch of the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade was lit in the courtyard of our Rectorate”, said UniTo Rector Cristina Prandi. “The Universiade is not just a sporting event: it’s a place where sports and education come together. From Turin, which hosted the last winter edition of the Games in 2025, we have accompanied the Flame toward Changchun with this ceremony. We wish the athletes taking part in it an experience that shows that excellence in sports and in studies grow together.”

The “Flame of Knowledge” will now travel to China and tour many universities – including the 68 located in the Jiling Province alone – before lighting the brazier during the opening ceremony on 15 January 2027.

The torch and its design

The torch for the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade is named “Ji Xiang,” carrying the dual connotations of “auspiciousness (Ji)” and “soaring (Xiang).” It expresses the hope that student-athletes will chase their dreams and reach new heights, and that the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade will be a resounding success.

The exterior design of the torch reflects the ice and snow sports event and the city’s urban context, and its overall shape is inspired by Clivia about to bloom, echoing Changchun’s city flower.

It symbolises young people pursuing their dreams and embracing their vitality. The upper part of the torch features filmstrip motifs, incorporating 12 ice and snow sports icons corresponding to the 12 competition sports of the Universiade.

This design not only ensures the combustion of the flame, but also captures the beauty of light and shadow, highlighting Changchun’s cultural heritage as a “City of Film.”

Both sides of the torch’s body feature lines inspired by snowboards, incorporating the signature element of winter sports into the design.

The torch stands 711 millimetres tall, matching the highest elevation of 711 meters in the urban area of Changchun. It is made of heat-resistant alloy. Part of the torch is made of carbon fiber composite materials independently developed in Jilin Province.

The Winter Universiades are getting more sustainable, but they still leave a trace in history! In 2025, the exhibition “Passion and Sport Through Time” organised in Turin, showcased the evolution of the Winter Universiade and the creativity behind torch and medal production. See it online at the FISU World University Sports Museum.