New concept for opening ceremony proves a winner

The topic "the smallest Olympic flame" quickly went viral on social media after two young athletes placed their torch into the heart of a giant snowflake sculpture at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics on Friday.

Many people expressed surprise, comparing the scene with the cauldron being lit in 2008 for the Beijing Summer Olympics, which featured a huge flame burning lots of gas every hour.

Filmmaker Zhang Yimou, chief director of Friday's ceremony, said lighting the cauldron was his favorite part of the entire evening.

"It's bold and innovative to present such a tiny Olympic flame. It reflects China's promotion of a green and lowemission world," he said.

The giant snowflake comprised hundreds of smaller counterparts featuring the names of some 90 countries and regions participating in the Games. These small snowflakes were also used as placards by those leading the athletes' parade.

Zhang said the big snowflake signaled that "we're building a shared future together" as the world tackles the COVID-19 pandemic. The tiny flame meant the "fire of hope would last forever".