Thu, August 07, 2008
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A huge gathering of Chinese celebrities - all for the Olympic torch relay.
China's first man in space, Yang Liwei was there.
NBA basketball player Yao Ming also carried the torch.
Many Beijing residents arrived at dawn to wait for the torch.
To them, the torch has transformed into a symbol of defiant Chinese nationalism.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin with English Translation) MS. WU, PERFORMER AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, SAYING:
"We are so proud. Proud to be a Beijing resident and even more proud to be a Chinese."
The flame started its final journey from the ancient Forbidden City, once home of China's emperors.
People shouting "Go Olympics!" stood dozens deep near Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of the capital.
But with all the celebrations taking place at iconic venues, Beijing was still covered in a thick blanket of haze.
When asked about the smog, Wang Xiuming, a Beijing resident said she didn't see there was anything wrong with the Beijing sky.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin with English Translation) WANG XIUMING, BEIJING RESIDENT, SAYING:
"Our sky has always been blue and we are all so excited about the Games. We have waited for 100 years for this moment. We are very very excited. Our country will win, Beijing will win and the Beijing Olympic Games will be a huge success."
Thousands of people who came to see the relay had to settle for hearing the roar of the crowds.
(PTC)
The international leg of the torch relay wasn't exactly a smooth journey.
Now that the torch has returned home, people here decided to give it a big home coming party.
