Jackie Chan Welcomes Olympic Flame To China

The Olympic torch started its tour of mainland China, in Sanya, the southernmost city of Hainan province yesterday. Jackie Chan and other celebrities, athletes and sponsors were among those who carried the touch in relay. The flame was returning to China – after leaving Beijing 31 March and experiencing a controversial world tour that saw vocal, and sometimes violent, protests, over China's human rights record and rule of Tibet, in many cities including Athens, London and San Francisco.

The torch is scheduled to visit every province in China before arriving in Beijing 6 August, a few days before the Olympics begin. The torch will next travel to Guangdong province in south-east China.

Jackie Chan