The opening ceremony of the 18th Zhejiang Provincial Games will be held in Quzhou on Oct 18, with the Games entering their main competition period through Oct 30. More than 18,000 athletes have pre-registered, a record for the event.

The Games feature 39 sports and 929 events, with delegations from all 11 prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang. The first competition began on May 19, and events are being held over nearly six months, combining early-stage competitions with a concentrated period around the opening and closing ceremonies.

The opening ceremony will start at 7:30 pm at Quzhou Sports Center and last about an hour. The concept of li — a Confucian idea associated with ritual propriety and courtesy — will be woven throughout the stage design, athletes' entrance, countdown, and cauldron-lighting ceremony.

A rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the 18th Zhejiang Provincial Games takes place at Quzhou Sports Center in Quzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The idea draws on Quzhou's Southern Confucian tradition. Known as the "Home of Southern Confucianism", Quzhou has deep roots in Confucian culture, with descendants of Confucius settling in the city more than 800 years ago. This heritage also shapes the Games' local cultural theme centered on Southern Confucianism and the idea of li.

The Games will use 44 venues, 33 of them in Quzhou. The city has newly built or renovated 23 venues, with post-event public use and fitness needs in mind.