The Xi’an Olympic Sports Center is lit up on June 19 in Xi’an, the capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi province. The complex was the venue for the opening ceremony of China’s 14th National Games on Wednesday. Photo: IC Photo

The ceremony replaces fireworks with lights due to environmental concerns. Photo: IC Photo

Performers stand in a square during a show at the ceremony on Wednesday. Photo: VCG

Attendees walk past the stadium holding flags of the 14th National Games during the ceremony. Photo: VCG

Actors dance at the stadium wearing the costume of the Tang dynasty (618 to 906 A.D.) that presents the history of Xi’an, as the city had served as the political, economic, and cultural center of China during that period. Photo: IC Photo

Performers jump and cheer during a show at the ceremony. Photo: VCG

Actors present a show that praises medical workers’ efforts in fighting the Covid-19 at the ceremony. Photo: VCG

A total of 2021 performers play the Fou drums, an ancient Chinese instrument, at the ceremony. Photo: Sheng Jiapeng/China News Service, VCG

Audiences watch a performance at the stadium during the ceremony. Photo: VCG

Olympic air pistol gold winner Guo Wenjun passes the torch at the ceremony. Photo: VCG

Yang Qian, the sport shooter who helped China won the first gold medal at Tokyo 2020 Olympics, lights the cauldron during the ceremony. Photo: VCG

Performers hold glow balls during the flame lighting event at the stadium on Wednesday. Photo: VCG

The stadium designed by PTW Architects can seat 60,000 people and is one of the largest arenas in northwest China. Photo: VCG