Photo taken on Feb. 2, 2022 shows the torch for Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)
BEIJING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The torch relay for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games started in Beijing on Wednesday, just two days before the Games officially opens.
The torch relay has been scaled down and is being held under strict precautionary measures due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some 1200 participants will take part in the relay, which will last three days across three competition zones and culminate with the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony on Friday night.
Photo taken on Feb. 2, 2022 shows the cauldron at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)
Photo taken on Feb. 2, 2022 shows the cauldron at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
Participators of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay pose for a group photo at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Torch bearer Luo Zhihuan runs with the torch during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)
Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming and astronaut Jing Haipeng were among the first to carry the flame on Wednesday.
Torch bearer Yao Ming runs with the torch during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Torch bearers Yao Ming (R, front) and Georgios Iliopoulos attend the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Torch bearer Jing Haipeng runs with the torch during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Torch bearer Zhang Yimou runs with the torch during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
The first day takes the theme "Showcasing Beijing as a dual Olympic city" as the flame makes its way from the Olympic Forest Park to the Beijing Winter Olympic Park and Shougang Park.
Torch bearer Wang Meng (Front) attends the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Winter Olympic Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)
Torch bearer Wang Meng (Front) attends the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Winter Olympic Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)
Torch bearers Li Shucheng (L) and Sun Yiwen attend the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Winter Olympic Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022.(Xinhua/Zhang Keren)
Torch bearer Han Liping runs with the torch during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xin) ■
