The relay started at Tian'anmen Square, winding past 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 participated, including some Chinese Olympic gold medal winners, top show-biz stars and other selected people from different walks of life. Their efforts were watched by thousands of spectators, loudly cheering as they lined the relay route.

The 15th Asian Games torch, lit ablaze on October 8, will travel more than 50,000 kilometers during its 55-day tour through 15 countries and regions before reaching its host city in Qatar.