The Beijing Olympic torch continued its journey in China's most populous province Henan on Saturday, with the torch being relayed in Kaifeng, "capital of seven dynasties" in the nation's history.

The torch was lit at the local Kaifeng University around 8 a.m.

Torchbearer Ma Ruilai (C) poses with the next torchbearer Liu Tao during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Kaifeng, central China's Henan Province, July 26, 2008.

"The torch relay will connect Kaifeng with the world," said Liu Changchun, Secretary of the Kaifeng Municipal Committee of the Communist Party, at a grand ceremony before the relay.

Wang Liqun, a Henan celebrity professor who gained great popularity after giving lectures in a national TV program, run the first leg of the relay.

Torchbearer Zheng Haixia runs with the torch during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Kaifeng, central China's Henan Province, July 26, 2008.

At 10 a.m. Zhang Wu, designer of the Beijing Olympic Emblem Chinese Seal, lit the cauldron at the Kaifeng Dongjing Art Center, bringing an end to the Olympic torch relay in Kaifeng.

"The torch relay, which proved successful, has given a full display of Kaifeng's long history and abundant culture," said Zhou Yizhong, mayor of the city, at a grand ceremony after the relay.

Altogether 208 torchbearers have taken part in the relay.