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Rally Heralds Boat Race
A torch rally began Friday as a warm-up for the 2000 Yan-Huang Cup World Dragon Boat Race, to be held in October across China, according to Chinadaily.
The race, which aims to increase understanding between Chinese people throughout the world, is sponsored by the State Sports General Administration, the National Tourism Administration and the Overseas Chinese Association.
The torch rally was held in Yunnan's Yuanmou Primitive People's Relic, a historic site. Ten performers dressed in traditional clothings built a bonfire.
The national walking racer Li Zewen lit the torch, named Chinese Yan-Huang Fire, following sacrificial rites. Yan and Huang are legendary figures in Chinese history.
Two other torches were lit in Shaanxi's Lantian and Beijing's Zhoukoudian Primitive People's Relic, both historic sites. The three sites are believed to be the birth places of the Chinese nation.
The torch, which symbolizes the unity of China's 56 ethnic groups, will tour the country's 16 provinces and municipalities finishing up in Beijing.
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