(KUNMING, June 9) -- Gymnast Jiang Shaomin, a native of Yunnan Province, ignited the flame cauldron at 11:41 a.m., marking the end of the torch's journey in the capital city of Kunming. Kunming is known by many for its temperate climate, which is why it has been nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring." The sacred flame will head for Lijiang, the second stop in the province, this afternoon.

    At 10:30, people flocked to the site of the closing ceremony. Thunderous applause created a joyous atmosphere.

    A slight drizzle chilled the city this morning, but this did not bother the 208 torchbearers of 13 ethnicities, led by Zhong Hundi, known as a long distance running princess. All participants joined together to experience the sacred flame and to spread the Chinese people's love for the victims of the May 12 earthquake.

    Covering a distance of 8.3 km, the Kunming leg started off at the century square in the Kunming World Expo Park. The closing ceremony was held at the Dalian Lake Platform in Min Village.

    Banners reading "Rebuild Homes and Support the Quake-hit Areas," "One World One Dream," and "Kunming joins hands with Wenchuan" were seen along the torch relay route to express people's wishes and love to the Sichuan quake victims.

    Ouyang Jian, a CPC leader, addressed the closing ceremony and presented the Torch Relay certificate to city officials.

    The torch will continue its journey in Lijiang, a picturesque tourist destination in the province.