Olympic torch relay continues in Hainan

The Olympic flame for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games is continuing its torch relay run through China's southern island province of Hainan.

The torch relay in Wuzhishan City started at Sanyuesan Square at a quarter past seven on Monday morning.

Wuzhishan -- which literally means Five-Finger Mountain in English -- is the birthplace of songs, dances and handicrafts featuring the styles of Li and Miao ethnic minority groups.

The ping-pong medalist of the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, Li Yuqiang, was the first runner for the relay.

Although the relay route here stretched only 1,200 meters -- the shortest so far among all the torch relay routes for the Beijing Olympics -- enthusiasm ran high for the nearly 1,000 cheering spectators and six torchbearers.

1st torchbearer Li Yuqiang said, "I was so excited that I couldn't help running 50-60 meters further."

After the half-an-hour relay in Wuzhishan City, the Olympic flame travelled to Wanning City. Wanning is one of Hainan's famous hometowns for overseas Chinese.

The Olympic flame will arrive in Qionghai City later on Monday after the relay in Wanning.

The relay is expected to start at the permanent venue for the Bo'ao Forum for Asia. With a total route as long as 13.5 kilometers, the Olympic torch will pass through the Bo'ao scenic area and then continue the relay in downtown Qionghai.

The torch relay will pass by the monument sculpture of the legendary "Red Detachment of Women". It will also pass along the Wanquan River -- the third longest river on Hainan island.

The Olympic torch relay will end with a big performance at Merry Festival Square near the Wanquan River.