The Olympic torch relay has concluded in Yueyang city, its first leg in central China's Hunan Province.

Participants paid a one-minute silent tribute to the victims of the Sichuan earthquake before the start of the relay.

Yuan Longping, the 77-year-old "father of hybrid rice," was the first torch bearer. Olympic badminton champion Gong Zhichao was among the 168 torch bearers on Tuesday morning.

"I have looked forward to this moment for a long time. I think the relay embodies social harmony in our country. I am filled with hope for our future."

In the afternoon, the Olympic flame traveled to Miluo, where it was met with a dragon boat competition.

Hunan Province is the birthplace of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.