The Same Torch as the Beijing Olympics! Behind the Ronggui Torch Relay Lies Shunde Intelligent Manufacturing | Shunde Enterprise Insights

The torch used in the Ronggui torch relay was optimized and upgraded by Horisun Thermal Energy based on the torch for the Beijing Winter Olympics. As a manufacturer of the Beijing Winter Olympics torch, Horisun Thermal Energy completed the R&D and production of more than 20 supporting devices, including propane torches, lanterns, and cauldron platforms, in just four months.

Despite the tight schedule, Horisun Thermal Energy delivered on its promise. Yi Hongbin, Dean of Horisun Thermal Energy Research Institute, stated that the company has accumulated rich experience and a solid technological foundation in gas water heater production. Both gas water heaters and torches require safe and stable combustion technology. Supported by the company’s technological platform, the R&D team successfully completed the development and manufacturing of the torch.

To develop and manufacture the torch, Horisun Thermal Energy overcame numerous design and technical challenges. In terms of design, the company took into account appearance, weight, wind resistance, water resistance and other factors to ensure the torch was both aesthetic and practical. Technically, it needed to meet a wind resistance requirement of 20 meters per second.

“A wind speed of 20 meters per second is equivalent to a Category 8 gale,” Yi said. The R&D team focused on the torch combustion system to ensure stable flame performance. He led the team to adopt technologies such as “aerodynamic enhancement of flame flow field” and “internal flame self-sustainment”, which greatly improved the reliability of torch combustion. The goals of maintaining flame brightness, height and non-extinguishing performance were achieved, and industrial mass production was realized.

At the same time, the R&D team broke through design and manufacturing difficulties for the flame lantern. For its exterior design, the team placed the exhaust vent at the top, adopted an inner and outer lampshade structure, and installed a diversion channel between the shades to enhance wind resistance. According to Yi, during actual testing, the team raised the difficulty by testing at a wind speed of 22 meters per second. In the end, both the torch and flame lantern passed the tests, ensuring the flame would not go out.

Horisun Thermal Energy thus completed the delivery of the full batch of propane torches, flame lanterns, cauldron platforms and related base components for the Beijing Winter Olympics. With this experience, the company handled the design and manufacturing of the Ronggui torch with ease.

The torch for the 2025 Shunde Ronggui Torch Relay was named “Blooming” by Horisun Thermal Energy, with many Ronggui cultural elements integrated into its design. The torch shape “grows” upward from the base, standing 720 millimeters tall. Its gradient purple‑red‑orange color scheme unfolds from bottom to top, symbolizing prosperity and vitality.

Chen Feizhou, Industrial Design Director of Horisun Thermal Energy, introduced that the fire outlet design was inspired by the aircraft engine shape in the Shunde Industrial Development Museum. The surrounding letter “R”, representing Ronggui, is shaped like a running figure. The torch head features the contour of Ronggui’s ring embankment line, echoing the 42-kilometer eco-friendly “emerald chain” around Ronggui. The body incorporates dragon and lion dance elements, reflecting Ronggui’s cultural heritage.

The spirit of striving and perseverance embodied in the torch relay aligns perfectly with Horisun Thermal Energy’s development philosophy. Over more than 20 years of development, the company has deeply rooted itself in the gas water heater sector, continuously innovating and breaking through to become a leader in its segment. The torch manufacturing project has also injected strong momentum into the company’s growth.