The Olympic torch relay kicked off in Haikou, the last stop on China's southernmost Hainan province.

The Olympic torch relay kicked off in Haikou, the last stop on China's southernmost Hainan province.

The Vice-Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Party Committee, Yu Xun passed the torch to Wang Lifang, who ran the first leg of the relay. She's a sailboard champion winning the first gold medal for Hainan Province in the Ninth National Games in 2001.

The relay started at Guanhaitai, one of city's most scenic spots. A total of 208 torch bearers will cover the 30.2 kilometer route. The torch will pass landmarks like Seaside Avenue, Wanlv Garden, Century Bridge, Haijing Avenue, and then end at Century Square where a ceremony will be held.

The relay is scheduled to finish at 5 o'clock this afternoon. The torch will then head to Guangdong Province.

(CCTV May 6, 2008)