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National Games Flame makes its way to Shandong
By Yuan Yue (China Daily Shandong Bureau)
Updated: 2009-08-17 18:21

The National Games Flame began its cross-China journey August 16 in Beijing, where it will head to the host city of Jinan for the opening ceremony of the 11th National Games, which will take place from October 16 to 28. .

China's top lawmaker Wu Bangguo lit the torch at the square outside the Great Hall of the People on Sunday morning, marking the official start of the relay.

The sacred flame, which was successfully lit in a recent sun-ray ceremony at the top of Taishan Mountain, signifies “prosperity and peace”. It will travel across China before arriving in Qingdao on September 19, when the Shandong Torch Relay starts.

The torch is scheduled to be passed across 17 cities in Shandong province.