The torch for the Doha Asian Games arrived here Saturday, with a four-hour-long relay running through the Chinese capital on Sunday.

The relay started at Tian'anmen Square, running through some of the city's most famous sites such as the National Theatre, the Drum Tower, the Lama Temple, the Former Asian Games village and the Ming Dynasty relic park before finally reaching the Temple of Heaven.

A total of 89 torch bearers took part in the activity, including some Chinese Olympic gold medal winners, top show biz stars and other selected people from different walks of life.

Thousands of spectators watched the relay along the route and gave their warm welcome to the bearers.

The 15th Asian Games torch, emblazed on October 8, will travel more than 50,000 kilometers during its 55-day tour through 15 countries and regions before going back to the host city.

(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2006)