The Olympic torch received a tumultuous and spirited welcome in the earthquake-devastated Sichuan province in southwest China as it wound up the first leg in Guang'an city.


Large crowds of people waved Chinese flags as the torch began its journey nearly three months after the 8-magnitude temblor ravaged vast parts of the mountainous province in the deadliest disaster to strike in three decades leaving nearly 70,000 people dead.


A total of 189 torch bearers took part in the relay in Guang'an, famous as the birthplace of former Chinese paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China's reform and opening up drive that took the country to new economic heights. A minute's silence was observed before the run began in memory of the victims of the quake which had however not affected Guang'an, located 300 kms from the epicenter.


Thousands of enthusiastic crowds lined up the 7.3 km torch relay route and waved Chinese and Olympic flags and the streets reverberated with "Go China, Go Olympics" shouts. At 9.10 am local time, the final torch bearer Wang Jianjun, ran into the city's exhibition centre and lit a ceremonial cauldron, marking the end of the 90 minute relay.


Sichuan province is the last point for the Olympic flame before it proceeds to Beijing for the opening ceremony of the Games on Friday. The Sichuan leg was originally scheduled for mid-June but was changed due to the disaster.