The flame retrieval ceremony of the Torch Relay of Hangzhou Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

HANGZHOU, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Torch Relay of Hangzhou Asian Para Games concluded on Saturday in the host city of Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province.

With the theme of "Hearts Meet, Dreams Shine", the relay in Hangzhou was attended by 600 torchbearers, aged between 14 and 73.

After Thursday's Launch Ceremony in Chun'an County, which is known for its "Thousand Islands Lake", or Qiandao Lake, the relay passed through Jiande City, Tonglu County and Fuyang District before concluding in Hangzhou's Xiaoshan District.

Chinese powerlifter Tan Yujiao, two-time Powerlifting champion at the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics, was the first torchbearer of the Chun'an leg.

"When I saw Tan push the wheelchair forward with the torch, I was so moved. This is a moment for people with impairments to gain more confidence and courage," said Wang Xiaoming, a Chun'an resident who came to watch the relay.

Song Maodang, who won the Men's 100m Butterfly S8 title and set a world record at the Rio Paralympics, was the first torchbearer at Tonglu.

"When I held the torch, the fire in my heart burned up again. It's like being back on the field," Song said.

"We aim to win a gold medal and I hope that people with impairments can live strong and optimistic lives," said Lu Xiaocong, who will compete in the Canoe event at Hangzhou Asian Para Games.

Torchbearer Xu Haijiao (L) lights the cauldron during the flame retrieval ceremony of the Torch Relay of Hangzhou Asian Para Games. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

The final torchbearer was Xu Haijiao, who won three silver and two bronze medals at the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics and will also participate in Hangzhou Asian Para Games.

Xu carried the torch to the East Square of Hangzhou Olympic Centre Swimming Stadium and lit up the flame cauldron.

"There are 188 torchbearers with impairments participating in the torch relay. We have carefully designed and arranged barrier-free facilities to ensure the safety and success of the relay," said Du Zuofeng, deputy commander of Hangzhou Asian Para Games Torch Relay Command Centre.

On October 22, Hangzhou Asian Para Games will officially start and the flame will be used to ignite the main torch cauldron at the opening ceremony.