The Beijing Olympic torch relay lit up the city of Dunhuang on Saturday, the first stage of its run in western China's Gansu Province.

The historic city of Dunhuang served as the hub for ancient silk trade routes.

The first torchbearer was Fan Jinshi, director of the Dunhuang Academy, who has devoted her life to preserving the city's ancient treasures.

She began the route from the square at the Mogao Grottoes, a shrine of Buddhist cave paintings and art treasures.

"We are passing friendship, passing peace, passing the Olympic spirit of higher, faster and stronger."

A total of 120 torchbearers joined the run. The highlight of Saturday's torch relay was the carrying of the sacred flame on camels.

The torch moves on to the city of Jiayuguan on Sunday.