The Olympic Torch Relay kicked off in Xi'an, China's Shaanxi Province at 8:15 am on Friday, July 4. Altogether 208 torchbearers carried the Olympic flame along this stretch of its journey.
Tian Liang, the Olympic diving champion, is the first torch bearer.
Olympic diving gold medalist Tian Liang started the relay from the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in the ancient city, heralding the running of another 207 torchbearers, giving the city a tremendously glittering panorama.
In the first half of the journey, the 50th torch bearer, Su Kefeng, left a deep impression on the audience by performing an excellent somersault. Su is a member of the China Wushu Association, a committee member of Shaanxi Province Wushu Association, and the coach of Shaanxi Wushu Sports Administration Center.
The last torchbearer Wang Libin lights the cauldron at Furong Garden.
With the last torchbearer Wang Libin lighting the cauldron at the north square of Ziyun Tower in Tang Dynasty-styled Furong Garden, the Xi'an leg of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay wound up in success at 10:10 a.m.
Wang Libin, called the "Best Center in Asia," joined the Shaanxi provincial basketball team in 1977 and the national team in 1981, has taken part in Asian and world competitions and has been assessed as a basketball star in Asia. "I Hope the Beijing Olympics would upgrade human quality of our society and promote social harmony in our country," he said.
The 9.2-kilometer route passed the Xi'an Museum and a number of famous scenic spots and busy streets highlighting Tang Dynasty archeological and cultural characteristics. Enthusiastic Xi'an residents welcomed the Torch and runners with cheers and smiles.
The last torchbearer Wang Libin