Spectator numbers minimised for event
An astronaut will launch the final leg of the Olympic torch relay at the Forbidden City's Meridian Gate this morning and basketball star Yao Ming will raise the flame underneath Beijing's landmark Tiananmen gate.
But despite the opportunity for iconic moments, the heavy military presence, tight security and traffic shutdowns have dampened the joyful spirit of some Beijing residents.
More than 400 runners will carry the torch through seven districts in about four hours on the first of the relay's three days in the capital.
Today's route, covering more than 16km, goes past historical landmarks such as the Great Hall of the People, the National Grand Theatre and the Temple of Heaven.
Beijing's Communist Party secretary, Liu Qi , will get the event under way by passing the flame to Yang Liwei , China's first man in space, at 8am in a heavily guarded enclosure off limits to ordinary residents of the capital.
But hours before the event even starts, regular and People's Armed Police will set up checkpoints at intersections, establish security cordons along the route and minimise spectator numbers.