Olympic flame lights up host city

It's been 129 days since the Olympic torch made its inaugural journey around the world from Beijing. Despite being marred by protests in Britain and France, Beijingers celebrated its triumphant return to the host city yesterday. The relay was also overshadowed by the Sichuan earthquake in May, which the torch had toured previously.

China's first astronaut Yang Liwei was chosen to run first and the relay includes stars such as Yao Ming, Lang Lang and Zhang Yimou.

The final leg will last 3 days with a total of 841 torchbearers spanning 16km, meaning each will only run about 20 metres.

International protesters also had their day. Three British and an American unfurled a 'Free Tibet' banner near Bird's Nest but was taken down 12 minutes later. The four will be deported this week. Students for a Free Tibet Group say this will be the start of many protests this month.

Watch the welcoming ceremony here