Torch relay in Chengdu concludes

Local residents welcome the flame with cheers during the Torch Relay in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, on August 5, 2008.

(Photo credit: Fan Fan)

The last torchbearer Xu Zhirong lights the cauldron during the Torch Relay in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, on August 5, 2008.

(Photo credit: Fan Fan)

A traditional performance is given during the Torch Relay in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, on August 5, 2008.

(Photo credit: Fan Fan)

Updated：2008-08-05

(CHENGDU, August 5) -- The Olympic Torch Relay ended in Chengdu at 10:41 a.m., when last torchbearer Yu Zhirong, a hero of the recent Sichuan earthquake, arrived at the International Convention Center to light the cauldron. Yu is a member of the 7716 PLA unit.

He sent out three helicopters on reconnaissance missions to the cities of Mianzhu and Dujiangyan just 40 minutes after the May 12 quake hit. The first pictures of the destruction were brought back on this first mission. Yu then went on to personally open up several airways to the Sichuan area, even under difficult weather conditions.

The flame traveled 13.2 kilometers via 315 bearers from its starting point of the Chengdu Export Processing Zone.

The flame's next destination is Beijing, where it will be relayed August 6-8 before the main Olympic cauldron is lit during the Opening Ceremony.