A replica of the Beijing Olympic torch is going on sale to the general public. Beijing Games organizers announced that a "limited edition" of 200,000 worldwide will be made.

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The Classic Edition of the Beijing Olympic Torch is made from excess steel left over from construction of The Bird's Nest.

Games organizers hope it will become a popular addition to the collection of memorabilia for the Olympics.

Wang Yu, Deputy Director of BOCOG Marketing Department, said, "The Beijing Olympic Torch contains many traditional Chinese elements. It is the perfect combination of the traditional Chinese civilization and the modern Olympic spirit. I believe it is going to carry the friendship across five continent and go up to the top of the world -- Mount Qomolangma"

The torch replica's height is 29cm, representing the 29th Olympic Games.

It has been limited to 200,000 worldwide and each model has been marked with a unique collectors number.

The replica will be released on March 8th in dedicated Olympic stores and is priced at 2900 Yuan or 408 US dollars.

(CCTV March 7, 2008)