Torchbearer Liu Xinfeng (L2) and Shi Weiping hold up the torches during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, China, Aug. 29, 2008. (Xinhua/Zhang Shanchen)

"The local organisers put in a lot of efforts to make it a success. This marks an auspicious beginning for the whole torch relay campaign. They held the relay on the top of the wall, this is a very potent way to demonstrate their magnificent city," she said.

As one of the most important cities in Chinese history, Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, because it, under various names, has been the capital of 13 dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, the Sui, and the Tang. Xi'an, with more than 3,100 years of history, is also renowned for being the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and for the location of the Terracotta Army, made during the Qin Dynasty.

A total of 850 torchbearers will participate in the relays along two routes through 11 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

The "Ancient China" route will pass through several cities of historic and cultural significance, including Xi'an, Hohhot, Changsha, Nanjing and Luoyang. The "Modern China" route, running through Shenzhen, Wuhan, Shanghai, Qingdao and Dalian, will showcase the country's achievements in its recent drive for modernization.

The two routes will converge in Beijing on September 5 in the run-up to the opening of the Paralympic Games.