The first torch bearer Yang Liwei

Things got underway at 8 a-m at the Forbidden City's Meridian Gate. The Forbidden City was a former Imperial Palace built over six-hundred years ago. It housed 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The first torch bearer is Yang Liwei, who became a national hero overnight in China's first manned space mission in October 2003. Four hundred and thirty-three torchbearers will run the more than 16 kilometer route in just over four hours on Wednesday.