Xiao Junfeng, the 2000 Sydney Olympic gold medalist, was credited to start the relay.
Xiao, along with his teammates Yang Wei, Xing Aowei, Li Xiaopeng, won the men's team title of gymnastics in the 2000 Olympics.
Torchbearer Xiao Junfeng carries the Olympic torch in Shenzhen, southeast China's Guangdong Province on May, 8 2008.
"I'm the first bearer in Shenzhen leg, so I need to demonstrate my best. Being able to take part in the torch relay, it reminds me of the moment of winning the Olympic gold medal in Sydney. It's an emotional memory just like eight years ago," said Xiao.
"The Beijing Olympic Games provides us an arena in our doorway. I believe Chinese gymnastics team is capable of good results for they have already proved their capability in the World Championships and World Cup," added Xiao, who is the first Olympic gold medalist in Shenzhen.
Li Lanmei, 29, a migrant worker in Shenzhen, was picked up to carry the torch.
"It has long been my dream to be an Olympic torchbearer someday, now the dream comes true. It's a great favor from God," said Li.
"I am so proud to hold the torch. I would like to tell those migrant workers 'you can be successful if only you take efforts'. The torch in my hand is my belief," said Li, adding that the torchbearer message made her sleepless the night when it came.
Cao Yan, 38, a teacher for the handicapped, was one of the torchbearers.
"You are great and we are proud of you," Cao read the text message after finishing her leg.
"The students in my class required to see me carry the torch, but for the sake of their safety the school master decided to ask them stay at school and watch the TV live broadcast," said Cao.
"I hope the Olympic flame will bring happiness and expectations to my students. I hope my students can learn the spirit of Olympians, self-motivating, overtaking difficulty and facing life strong-minded," added Cao.
Wang Shi, a top real estate entrepreneur in China, ran in the 206th place as one of the high-profile torchbearers the day.
He is the board chairman of Vanke, a leading real estate developer. Wang has a abundance of mountain climbing experience including mounting the Mt. Qomolangma in 2003, reaching the top of leading peaks in seven Continents worldwide, exploring the Antarctica and Arctic.
