* The image of a sun-and-immortal-birds gold ornament, unearthed in 2001 from the Jinsha Site, is omnipresent at the upcoming Chengdu Universiade.

* It not only represents the ancient Shu civilization but also resonates in the everyday life of Chengdu's 20 million inhabitants.

* Despite being a cultural relic from 3,000 years ago, the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament strikes a chord with the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together."

by Cao Yibo and Yuan Qiuyue

CHENGDU, China, July 16  -- The torch relay of the 31st FISU World University Games is captivating observers on the campuses of Chengdu's colleges and universities, many of whom are charmed by the vibrant design of the torch.

Not just a blend of four gradient hues - vibrant red, sunny yellow, serene lake blue, and rich jade green - the Chengdu Universiade torch carries a unique design. It embodies the image of a sun-and-immortal-birds gold ornament, one of China's esteemed ancient treasures, unearthed in 2001 from the Jinsha Site - the epicenter of the bygone Shu Kingdom.

This photo shows the unearthed Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament at the Jinsha Site in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province on Nov. 4, 2019. (Photo by Zhang Yan/Xinhua)

With a history spanning approximately 3,000 years, the Jinsha Site was the ancient Shu Kingdom's capital and a cradle of ancient civilization nestled along the upper Yangtze River in China.

SYMBOL OF CHINESE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Currently housed in the exhibition hall of the Jinsha Site Museum is the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament, a crucial archaeological discovery from the Jinsha Site.

This circular gold ornament features two layers, with the inner circle consisting of 12 arc-shaped tooth-like appendages. These are encircled by four flying birds linked head to tail in a counterclockwise direction. During a clear day, the sunlight elegantly projects the dance of the Sun and Immortal Birds onto a large, curved wall.