Cao Guangjing uses the "lucky clouds" torch to ignite the flame cauldron.

    (YICHANG, June 1) – On Sunday, the torch relay in the city of Yichang in China's Hubei Province concluded with the igniting of the flame cauldron on a viewing platform by the Three Gorges Dam. Yichang's last torchbearer, Cao Guangjing, held the "lucky clouds" torch high after using it to light the cauldron.

    The launching ceremony for today's relay in Yichang took place in the city's Peace Park. Even before the sun really began to heat up the day, already crowds of fans surrounded the park to offer support for the relay.

    Before the relay began, a moment of silence was observed to remember the victims of the earthquake in Wenchuan.

    Adhering to the principles of "simplicity and practicality," stage performances during the launching and closing ceremonies were cancelled, and the entire torch route was cut into 19 kilometers from 38.8 kilometers. Instead of a whole day's relay, the run was limited to only a morning activity.

After lighting the flame cauldron, Cao Guangjing raises the "lucky clouds" torch triumphantly to much applause.

    A total of 208 torchbearers treated residents in the city of Yichang and the Three Gorges Dam District with views of the sacred flame.

    The first part of the day's relay, in Yichang, ended at the city's Binjiang Park. The route passed through 7 km of the city's streets through the hands of 77 torchbearers.

    The 78th torchbearer started off from Zigui's Quyuan Sqare in the Three Gorges Dam District. Twelve kilometers later, the relay ended on a viewing platform to the left of the Three Gorges Dam.

    (Photo credit: Miao Lidong)