Beijing Olympics torch relay route: Longest in history

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-24-2008 13:28

The route of the torch relay of 2008 Beijing Olympics will be the longest in history.

The relay, with over 20,000 torchbearers participating will travel 13,700 kilometers around the world.

The relay, with over 20,000 torchbearers participating will travel 13,700 kilometers around the world.

After Monday's flame-lighting ceremony in Athens, the flame will tour around Greece, the home of the ancient Olympics, for six days.

The first torchbearer will be Greek Olympic Taekwondo silver medalist, Alexandros Nikolaidis.

He will then hand over the flame to China's swimming Olympic Champion, Luo Xuejuan.

On March 30th, the transport of the torch will reach Panathenian Stadium, where the torch will be placed in the waiting hands of the BOCOG.

After a reception in Beijing one day later the Olympic flame will begin its global tour of 135 cities on April 1st.

The capital of Kazakstan, Alma-Ata, will be the first leg of the global torch relay.

An Alma-Ata citizen said, "I know that Beijing will hold the Olympic Games this summer and the Olympic flame will come here soon for relay. This is an honor for Kazakstan. We feel very happy. "

Qu Yingpu, spokesperson of Torch Relay Department, BOCOG, said, "The torch relay route will mainly cover Asia, especially those countries which are located along the ancient Silk Road. We hope the flame will retrace that epic journey to promote exchanges."

On May 4th, the Olympic flame will begin its journey around China.

The torch bearers in China will pass through 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions by air, railway and road.

And the flame will finally arrive at the National Stadium in Beijing on Aug 8th, 2008 for the opening ceremony.

The highlight of the relay will be an attempt to take the Olympic flame to the world's highest mountain peak.

At an altitude of 8,844 meters-- Mount Qomolangma is the highest summit in the world.

Chinese climbers will try to take it to the top of Mount Qomolanga. The attempt will take place in May whenever the weather conditions are most suitable.

After the flame arrives in Beijing at the end of March, a second torch will be lit and taken to Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Editor:Zhang Ning