Olympic torch relay sets off in southeastern Quanzhou

QUANZHOU, Southeast China, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Olympic torch relay started on Monday in the southeastern coastal city of China, Quanzhou, the third stop in Fujian province.

Following the kick-off at the front square of China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan at 8:23 am local time, the 20-kilometer relay stretched through the city's historic sites and landmarks, including Riverside Road, Linzhang Gate, Jiangbin Sports Park, Dapingshan Tunnel, before reaching destination - the square in front of the Straits Sports Center, where a finish ceremony will be held.

Tens of Thousands of local residents dressed in red lined the streets, waving national flags and carrying the logos and banners for the Beijing Olympics.

Chants and cheers of "Jia You, Beijing!", "Go, go, go!", from the crowd went all along with the Olympic torch.

A total of 108 torchbearers, including athletes, local officials, workers, businessmen, teachers and students, run through the city.