A bird's-eye view of Hangzhou. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

The torch relay for the much-anticipated Hangzhou Asian Games is primed to commence near the picturesque West Lake on Sept 8.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the Hangzhou Asian Games Main Media Center.

The flame's journey will weave through the vibrant tapestry of Zhejiang province, touching 11 cities in its trail. From the enchanting landscapes of Huzhou to the historic charm of Shaoxing, and from the bustling streets of Ningbo to the coastal allure of Zhoushan, the torch will visit various locales, infusing each with the spirit of the Games. The relay will continue its voyage through Taizhou, Wenzhou, Lishui, Jinhua, and Quzhou, encapsulating the essence of the regions before returning to Hangzhou on Sept 20, where it will complete its final leg.

A remarkable cadre of 2,022 torchbearers, spanning the ages from 14 to 84, will embody the unity and enthusiasm of the event.

In harmony with the games' core principles of being "green, smart, economical, and ethical," the torch relay route has been crafted to reflect simplicity and appropriateness. The design of each relay leg accentuates the distinctive characteristics, historical significance, cultural richness, and natural splendor of the cities.

Adding a modern twist, the torch relay will integrate both online and offline elements. The "Digital Torchbearer" online relay activity launched on June 15 has ignited the enthusiasm of over 760 million individuals.

A bird's-eye view of West Lake, the landmark scenic spot in Hangzhou. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]