Olympic torch relay in Datong kicks off

The Olympic torch relay on Friday reached Shanxi's Datong - the second largest city of Shanxi Province. The city is famous for its coal mines, so the relay made a connection with the workers and their industry.

The relay started at the Pingan Square of Jinhuagong Coal Mine - the biggest mine in Datong. The first torch bearer was Tian Lijun - a chief engineer of the Datong Coal Mine Corp.

The team of 208 torch bearers covered a 4-kilometer long route that fully showcased the city's cultural aspects, as well as achievements of the past 30 years. The oldest torch bearer is 91-year-old Li Zhi - a well-known advocate of sports for the masses. The youngest one is a 14-year-old all-round athlete, Lu Jianping.