Olympic torch relay kicks off in Tangshan

The Olympic torch relay continues its domestic tour in Tangshang, North China's Hebei province.

Torchbearer Niu Jianfeng holds up the torch during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games torch relay in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, July 31, 2008. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

The first torchbearer Qian Hong started the relay in Tangshan Sports Center at 8:10 am. The 37-year-old swimming star has won national championships 30 times, and has taken 51 world titles during her swimming career. She won a gold medal in the 100-meter butterfly at the Barcelona Olympic Games.

Tangshan is a well-known city, recovered from a disastrous earthquake in 1976. 208 torchbearers will pass the flame along a 123-kilometer route. Tangshan is the last leg in Hebei province. The relay will then head to Tianjin on Friday.

Torchbearer Song Zhiyong holds up the torch during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games torch relay in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, July 31, 2008.(Xinhua/Gong Zhihong)

Torchbearer Qian Hong (R) poses with the next torchbearer Liu Zhijun during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games torch relay in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, July 31, 2008. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)