Citizens' love for flame burns bright

After following the torch relay in Guangzhou, Shandong's Li Ruitao, who has been living in Guangdong's capital city for the past three years, arrived late last night with friends in Shenzhen to catch the start of the torch relay early this morning.

"We will also go to Huizhou and Shantou (the next two legs of the torch relay after Shenzhen) in the following three days," Li said. "We think it is a great chance to visit those cities, which we've never been to, because the relay usually follows a route that showcases the essence of the city. And we love the atmosphere during the relay, it is like a carnival."

Following the flame, however, can be an expensive occupation, as accommodation prices often get hiked.