Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

The Olympic torch was relayed in Jinan, capital city of Shandong Province on July 23, 2008. The first torchbearer Gong Xiaobin (L) receives the torch at the launching ceremony. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    JINAN, East China, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Olympic torch relay begins its tour in Jinan, capital city of east China's Shandong Province, at 8:10 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

    Gong Xiaobin, coach of Shandong Gold Basketball Club, carried the torch as the first runner.

    The torch will tour from Shandong provincial stadium to Qilu software park, covering 13.5 kilometers and involving a total of 243 torchbearers.

    The torch relay in Jinan is the last leg of the sacred Olympic flame's tour in Shandong.