Special report:   2008 Olympic Games

Workers stand near the replica of the Angel of Independence during a send-off ceremony for the "Angel" in Zocalo Square in Mexico City, Mexico, July 28, 2008. The replica of the Angel of Independence, one of the symbols of Mexico City, will take off for Beijing on Tuesday, carrying the best wishes of the Mexican government and people for the 2008 Olympic Games. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    MEXICO CITY, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A replica of the Angel of Independence, one of the symbols of Mexico City, will take off for Beijing on Thursday, carrying the best wishes of the Mexican government and people for the 2008 Olympic Games.

    Mexico City tourism authorities held a send-off ceremony for the "Angel" in the capital's Zocalo Square on Monday.

    The city's tourism secretary Alejandro Rojas Diaz said the gilded replica, which is one-third the size of the original monument signifying independence, peace, friendship and justice, would serve as an ambassador of Mexico City and Mexico to enhance the country's friendship with China.

    The upcoming Olympics offers Mexico a good opportunity to showcase its charms to China and the world, and to boost the country's tourism cooperation with China, Diaz told Xinhua.

Visitors look at the replica of the Angel of Independence during a send-off ceremony for the "Angel" in Zocalo Square in Mexico City, Mexico, July 28, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    He also expressed full confidence in Beijing's ability to host a successful and impressive Olympic Games.

    After Beijing, the special 'envoy' will visit the Hong Kong SAR.

    Angel of Independence, located on Mexico City's main Reforma Street, was built in 1910 to commemorate the 1810 Mexican Revolution.