Zhang Dong, an entrepreneur from Ruicheng county and the first torchbearer of the torch relay in Yuncheng for the 2nd Youth Games of China, runs in front of Yongle Palace, Ruicheng county, Yuncheng, Shanxi province, May 4. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

The torch relay for the 2nd Youth Games of China began in Ruicheng county, Yuncheng, Shanxi province on May 4, following a 33-day online torch relay across 33 Chinese provincial capitals.

The torch relay in Yuncheng city will pass through 13 local counties and districts and total 40 kilometers in length. It will last for eight days with 50 torchbearers taking part each day. Each torchbearer will run 100 meters.

The 400 torchbearers come from all walks of life. They include delivery people, sanitation workers, and entrepreneurs, with the oldest being 59 years old and the youngest being just 14. 

The 2nd Youth Games of China is the largest and most comprehensive sporting event to be held in Shanxi province since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Yuncheng, considered a birthplace of Chinese civilization and boasting over 1,600 historical sites, is responsible for collecting and lighting the flame, the torch relay, and taekwondo and triathlon events for the national youth games. 

The torch relay, which will pass through 11 cities in Shanxi province, will last until August 8.