The Olympic torch began its journey through China's first imperial capital, Xianyang of Shaanxi Province, on Thursday afternoon.

The relay in Xianyang covers 6.9 km, starting from Tongyi Plaza and passing over the bridge of Xianyang via Century Avenue before arriving at the stadium in Shaanxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Altogether 113 torchbearers will relay the Olympic torch.

Shooter Zhang Bo and archer Zhang Min served as the first torchbearers.

(BOCOG July 3, 2008)