The Olympic torch relay will kick off in Ruijin City, the first leg in central China's Jiangxi Province, on Wednesday.

Ruijin, named the "Red Capital", is known as the cradle of the People's Republic of China and the starting point of the famed Long March of the Red Army.

The 18.6-kilometer Ruijin relay is expected to last about four and a half hours. Among the 208 torch bearers is 95-year-old retired Red Army soldier Liu Jiaqi, who took part in the Long March.

The relay will start from the Yeping Red Army Square and end at the Central Revolutionary Base Area History Museum.

Along the route, people will also enjoy green natural scenery and Hakka culture performances.

The Olympic torch relay will continue its journey in Jinggangshan City Thursday, the second leg in Jiangxi Province, also known as the cradle of the Chinese revolution.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2008)