The Olympic torch relay in eastern China's Jiangsu Province will kick off Sunday in the cities of Suzhou, Nantong, Taizhou, Yangzhou and Nanjing, provincial government official said Thursday at a press conference.

A total of 624 torch bearers will take part in the three-day relay, running a total distance of 75.8 kilometers, which was adjusted from 124.1 kilometers originally after the earthquake struck southwestern China's Sichuan Province.

Suzhou, the first leg in Jiangsu, is one of the oldest cities in the Yangtze Basin, boasting a history of 2,500 years. It is located on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Taihu Lake in Jiangsu.

The city is also known as the "Venice of the East", which is sandwiched between Taihu Lake and the Great Canal.

The relay in Suzhou will start from Suzhou Amusement Park, and pass through the Jinghang Canal, also called The Great Canal, and will tour the ancient city of Suzhou.

Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu, is the last leg in this province, where the torch will visit Nanjing Treasure Dockyard Relics of Ming Dynasty, which was the world's biggest royal dockyard.

After the relay in Jiangsu Province, the Olympic torch will carry on its journey in neighboring Anhui province.

(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2008)