Beijing 2008

Olympic Games Beijing 2008 Official Torch

Curved, aluminum torch with red, rubber-based cover over handle and red swirl, "Lucky Clouds" etched on silver background on upper half. Designed to resemble a traditional Chinese parchment scroll, the torch is 'rolled in' on itself on the back. "Beijing 2008" in upper half of red handle with Games emblem in upper portion of "Lucky Clouds." 28 inches high.

Designer: Lenovo China, Aerospace Science & Industry
Manufacturer: Zhongshan Vatti Gas Appliance Stock Co., Ltd

Fuel: Propane. Combustion duration 15 minutes.

Part of the path of the torch relay was inspired by the Silk Road, with cities located on the ancient network of commercial roads between Asia and Europe.

The "Lucky Cloud" symbol represents the thousand-year-old Chinese culture of harmony between man and nature while the use of "Chinese Red" symbolizes the spirit of celebration, enthusiasm and luck.

Start date: March 24, 2008, Olympia, Greece
End date: August 8, 2008, Beijing, People's Republic of China
First Torchbearer: Alexandros Nikolaidis
Last Torchbearer: Ning Li
Number of Torchbearers: 21,800
Relay length: 85,128 miles