Closing ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games is held in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province, Aug 8, 2023. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/chinadaily.com.cn]

Chief music designer He Qi composed the show with a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, as well as Chinese and Western styles.

The music blended renowned Western melodies with local art forms such as folk songs and Sichuan Opera. During the performance, bands mesmerized the crowd with a live concerto using a diverse range of percussion, electronic and laser instruments.

"One highlight of the music is that it includes sounds from the competition arena such as the starting apparatus and basketballs hitting the backboards," He said.

According to Cai Canhuang, who designed the fireworks for both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Chengdu games, the fireworks for the closing ceremony ware more spontaneous and relaxing.

"It's akin to a diary entry crafted by university students from around the world, converging in Chengdu to script their own magnificent chapters," Cai said.

At the end of the show, as the flame of the Universiade torch gently faded away, a colossal flower meticulously crafted with fireworks unfurled its petals, while shimmering stars converged to form a firework sculpture in the shape of a dove.

Jia said the whole ceremony revolved around "three tributes" - the athletes, volunteers and the future.

"It is due to the athletes that the Universiade could be conducted smoothly. Through them, homage is paid to sports – a source of vitality for individuals, passion for the world, and happiness for humanity."