OLYMPICS /
Relay Cities
Olympic flames passes central China
Updated: 2008-07-25 17:39
A local performer cheers torchbearers as the Beijing Olympic torch passes Zhengzhou,capital city of China's most populous Henan province, July 25, 2008. [Xinhua] |
ZHENGZHOU -- The Beijing Olympic torch relay in Zhengzhou, capital city of China's most populous Henan province, concluded at the Zhengzhou International Exhibition Hall at 10:20 am on Friday.
Zhengzhou was the flame's first stop in province and the relay ranged 7.6 kilometers with 208 torchbearers.
As the torchbearer entered the exhibition hall, several thousand of locals burst into cheers.
Wu Jiangxing, head of the People's Liberation Army Information Engineering University and the last torchbearer in Zhengzhou leg, lit the caldron.
"I am proud and excited in the holy moment," Wu said. "We are passing the torch as well as the Olympic dreams."
In a grand ceremony marking the end of the leg, Zhao Jiancai, mayor of Zhengzhou, said the torch relay in the city would bring the citizens' Olympic enthusiasm to the maximum.
The locals standing along the roads during the relay also expressed their excitment.
"I am so excited to witness the torch relay today," said Wang Yong, a Zhengzhou native who stood along the road with China's national flags in hands.
"I wish all the athletes from home and abroad good luck in the Games," he added.
On Saturday, the Olympic torch will continue its journey in the city of Kaifeng, known as the capital of seven dynasties in China's history.