Pianist Lang Lang leads Chinese torchbearers in Rio torch relay

Chinese pianist Lang Lang participates in Rio Olympics torch relay in the famous Iguacu waterfall city in Brazil on June 30.[Photo/VCG]

FOZ DO IGUACU, Brazil - Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang led six Chinese torchbearers participate in the Rio Olympics torch relay on June 30 in the famous Iguacu waterfall city.

The Rio Olympics torch relay continues its journey across Brazilian Parana state this Thursday. The distance covered, including transits, 170 km and some 140 torchbearers. Foz do Iguacu is the last town on the Olympic Flame's route on Thursday.

Invited by the Coca-Cola sponsorship, six torchbearers including Lang Lang and actress Jiang Yiyan lit the passion of local people. As No 75 torchbearer, Lang Lang was welcomed by both warm Brazilians and Chinese. Numerous people accompanied him during his 200-meter torch relay journey.

"It's my third time to be a Summer Olympics torchbearer this time. To get in touch with Olympics and its spirit one more time, I feel more powerful and it will lead me to go forward," Lang Lang said.

Lang Lang is a celebrity in classical music circles. He was the first Chinese pianist to join the Vienna Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic, and was also a UNICEF ambassador. He has created educational projects in Europe and Asia, been an advertising icon for famous brands, and represented China on the Western cultural scene.

Earlier on Thursday, Lang Lang also gave a piano show just in front of the Iguacu waterfall, one of the most famous natural landmarks the country has to offer. His show attracted lots of tourists.