Source: CCTV.com

07-22-2008 13:41

The Olympic torch relay continues its domestic tour. It journeyed through the hometown of Confucius on Tuesday. Qufu is located in east China's Shandong Province.

The Olympic torch relay kicks off in the Confucius Temple, Qufu City, east China's Shandong Province on July 22, 2008.  The first torchbearer Kong Peng (front) holds the Olympic  torch.((Xinhua Photo)

At 8 am in the morning, a short ceremony to launch the relay was held in front of the "Hall of Great Accomplishment," the major structure of the Confucius Temple. Kong Peng, a local tour guide and a descendant of Kong family, was the first torchbearer.

Qufu is famous for being "the hometown of Confucius. Confucius was a philosopher, statesman and educator. For over 2,500 years, Confucius's teachings have significantly influenced China and other Asian countries.

A total of 100 torchbearers are participating in the 5.1-kilometer leg of the Olympic torch relay in Qufu. The flame will leave for Tai'an, the fourth stop in Shandong Province this afternoon.