Torch relay in Wuhan wraps up

(WUHAN, May 31) – The torch relay in Wuhan wrapped up on Saturday with Li Xiaoshuang, Olympic gymnastics champion, running into Sanxiashi Plaza, with the Olympic torch. The next stop for the sacred flame is Yichang in Hubei Province.

Before starting off, for one minute, all relay team staff and torchbearers mourned in silence for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan. In addition, stage performances during the launching and closing ceremonies were cancelled. Adhering to the principles of "simplicity and practicality," the entire torch route was cut into 20.7 kilometers from 42.5 kilometers.

Wuhan's launching ceremony was held in Yellow Crane Tower Park. Yellow Crane Tower, built in the Three Kingdoms period, is a famous historic site. Poet Li Bai's poem about the tower made it even more popular.

The relay route passed along the Yangtze River. Torchbearers went from the Yangtze River Bridge, the first bridge in China to function as both a railway and highway on the nation's longest river, to various roads in the city, highlighting Wuhan's unique cultural sites.

Editor:Du Xiaodan