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Torchbearer Tian Xiong (2nd R) poses with next torchbearer Achim Steiner (2nd L) during the last-day of Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Beijing, China, Aug. 8, 2008. [Xinhua]
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Sun Xuecai, vice chairman of the organizing committee of the torch relay in Beijing, said on Thursday that right after the torch relay ends at the school, the Olympic flame will be handed over to the Games' opening ceremony group.
A total of 841 torch bearers are to take part in the 38.9-km route over three days in Beijing, according to the organizing committee.
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Torchbearer Li Guihua (R) poses with next torchbearer Liu Changming during the last-day of Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Beijing, China, Aug. 8, 2008. [Xing Guangli/Xinhua]
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On the first day, the torch started its journey from the landmark Forbidden City in the center of the host city. After passing other landmarks, including Tian'anmen Square, the egg-shaped National Center for the Performing Arts and Qianmen (the Southern Gate), the torch relay ended at the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan).
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The torchbearer Hou Xinyi holds up the torch during the last-day of Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Beijing, China, Aug. 8, 2008. [Xinhua]
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On Thursday, the Olympic flame began the second day of its relay with a historic run on the Great Wall. It ended at the Temple of Earth (Di Tan) in the afternoon.
After being lit at the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece on March 24, the torch traveled to Beijing on March 31 for a ceremonial start of its global trip.
Under the theme "Journey of Harmony," the relay took the torch 137,000 km through six continents over 129 days, passing through 21 cities, including Hong Kong and Macao, before touring the mainland on May 4.
On Friday night, the Olympic flame will be used to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.
(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2008)