Torch bearer Luo Zhihuan runs with the torch during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 2, 2022. (CHEN YEHUA/ XINHUA)BEIJING - The torch relay for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games started here on Wednesday, just two days before the Games officially opens.

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, lit a torch from a cauldron at the launch ceremony held at the Olympic Forest Park, then handed it to 80-year-old Luo Zhihuan, China's first winter sports world champion.

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, lit a torch from a cauldron at the launch ceremony held at the Olympic Forest Park

The torch relay has been scaled down and is being held under strict precautionary measures due to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Some 1200 participants will take part in the relay, which will last three days through three competition zones and culminate with the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony on Friday night.

The first day takes the theme "Showcasing Beijing as a dual Olympic city" as the flame makes its way to the Beijing Winter Olympic Park.

The Winter Olympics will take place from Feb 4 to 20.

Torch bearers Li Weihao (centre) and Zhang Wenmin (left) attend the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 2, 2022. (JIA HAOCHENG / XINHUA)

Torch bearers Liu Zhijie (left front) and Zhang Runqiu attend the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 2, 2022. (JIA HAOCHENG / XINHUA)

Torch bearer Sheng Awei runs with the torch during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 2, 2022. (JIA HAOCHENG / XINHUA)

Torch bearer Luo Zhihuan runs with the torch during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 2, 2022. (CHEN ZHONGHAO / XINHUA)

Torch bearer Zhu Xin'gen runs with the torch during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 2, 2022. (JIA HAOCHENG / XINHUA)

Torch bearers Xu Zhenchao (right) and Wu Ming pose for photos after passing of the flame during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Torch Relay at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 2, 2022. (JIA HAOCHENG / XINHUA)

This photo taken on Feb 2, 2022 shows the cauldron at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China. (CHEN ZHONGBAO / XINHUA)