With the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games around the corner, the torch relay continued its climactic ride by reaching host city, Beijing. Starting from the Forbidden City, the torch traveled around 7 urban districts of Beijing before ended up at the Temple of Heaven on Wednesday. Let's hear more from our reporter Wang Lei.

Reporter:

At 8 am Beijing time, the Olympic flame began its first day in the Olympic city, Beijing. Visiting the Meridian Gate, Tian'anmen square, and the Temple of Heaven, the Torch has certainly enjoyed a cultural trip.

More than 400 torch bearers took part in Wednesday's relay. Among them are many famous faces such as NBA star Yao Ming, former Olympic shooting champion Yang Ling and also many ordinary people who have made their own contributions to the Olympics. Chen Xu is one of them. He just can't hold his excitement during the interview.

"I work for the Olympic softball venue in Fengtai district. I am really excited about the moment."
Torch bearers are not the only people excited about the relay. Millions of local residents rushed to squares and lined the roads to share the joy and passion of the Olympic Torch.

"I'm so excited. Although we are not torch bearers, we have come to see and welcome them and we can feel their passion too."

"We are happy that China is going to hold the Olympics. Every Chinese would feel this happiness. This is our honor. Many of my colleagues asked a leave just for the torch relay. For 100 years, the dream finally comes true and we must witness the moment. Come on China! Come on Olympics!"

"It's China's pride. I'm happy that Beijing is to hold the Olympics and it is also the first time for China to host the Olympics so I brought my grandson too. I want him to feel the passion and to experience the Olympics himself."

The relay not only brings excitement and passion to the city but also brings warmth and love to Beijing.

When the couple held one torch and ran together; when the husband passed the flame to his wife and gave her a sweet kiss; and when the blind torch bearer finished his part with the help of others, all of these moments mirror the theme of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay, a harmonious journey.

The relay will continue on Thursday. It will visit the Great Wall and travel through the Grand Canal.

Wang Lei, CRI NEWS.