Early birds beat the crowds by picking the best vantage points two hours in advance

Roads between Tsim Sha Tsui and Prince Edward were congested yesterday morning as police began redirecting traffic for the torch relay about 90 minutes before its 10.30am start.

Crowds had already begun gathering along Nathan Road and other streets near the start of the relay at the Cultural Centre.

The centre's foyer, restaurants and box office, as well as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, were temporarily closed for the event, as were the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and Avenue of Stars.

As the run passed through Tsim Sha Tsui, traffic conditions quickly returned to normal and the crowds dispersed for several hours.

After passing over the Tsing Ma Bridge and through Sha Tin with little disruption, the torch was carried back to Tsim Sha Tsui and across the harbour to Central and Wan Chai, where barricades and rope cordons were in place on streets and elevated walkways.

Spectators had arrived up to two hours early to secure their places, particularly near the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, where the closing ceremony was held at 5pm.