2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled

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Jacque Rogge, IOC president, said, "The magnificent design of the torch for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch relay will also add a very unique Chinese flavors to the relay, as the 'Clouds of Promise' carry the Beijing Games' message to the world."

The Beijing Olympic Flame will travel the historic "Silk Road". As it crosses the globe it will pass through 22 cities on five continents and 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities on the Chinese mainland.

The flame will also be carried to the world's highest peak -- Mount Qomolangma. Its journey will cover 137 thousand kilometers, passing through the hands of more than 20 thousand torchbearers.

When it returns to Beijing for the games opening ceremony in 2008, the world will be watching and waiting to see what China can achieve through hosting the Games.

Olympic Champion Gao Min and the representatives from the provinces that the torch will pass through expressed their excitement.

Gao Min said, "I'm quite excited that the Olympic torch will pass my hometown."

Pang Yi, Hebei province representative, said, " What we are going to do next is to plan the schedule of the torch relay in Hebei Province. This is quite a detailed job. We are to fully demonstrate Hebei's best scenery, economy and people's enthusiasm in welcoming the Olympics through this opportunity."