The media accreditation for the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in the Mainland of China begins Thursday, according to BOCOG.

Media outside of the Mainland of China (including the media from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) are welcome to Beijing Olympic Torch Relay.

To cover the Olympic Torch Relay outside the Mainland of China, media can communicate directly with the city task force in each relay host city for media accreditation.

To cover the Olympic Torch Relay in the Mainland of China, media can apply to BOCOG. The Beijing Olympic Media Center will process media applications. Media centers in provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities will provide support to media.

In addition, a Service Guide of Coverage of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay for Media outside the Mainland of China is published on website Thursday to facilitate the coverage of the Olympic Torch Relay. The Guide compiles of 4 sections, regarding media policy, accreditation process, and services for the relay in the Mainland of China and access to official information.

On March 24, 2008, the Olympic flame that represents peace, friendship and hope will be lit once again in Olympia, Greece. As the prelude to the Beijing Olympic Games, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay marks a significant step in public's anticipation of Beijing Olympic Games.

Under the slogan of "Light the Passion, Share the Dream", the Olympic flame will embark on a "Journey of Harmony" by visiting 21 cities on the five continents, and traveling across all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in the Mainland of China. The Olympic flame will also reach the world's highest mountain – Mt. Qomolangma before it arrives at the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to light the main cauldron on 8 August 2008. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, with the participation of more than 20,000 Torchbearers, the duration of 130 days, and a distance of approximately 137,000 km, will be remembered as the one that covers the longest distance and the widest geographical expanse and that involves the largest number of participants in the history of the modern Olympic Movement.

(BOCOG January 10, 2008)