Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

    JINGZHOU, Central China, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Olympic torch is set to embark on its Jingzhou leg on Monday, the last segment in central China's Hubei province.

    Located on the middle reaches of Yangtze River, China's longest, Jingzhou is one of the 24 famous historical cultural cities first approved by the State Council and also the cradle of Chu culture of ancient China.

    A transportation hub and distribution center of commodities since ancient times, the city has become the battlefield needed to be conquered by military commander.

    It was the capital of 20 kings over 411 years of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States of the Zhou Dynasty some 2500 years ago.

    China's ancient masterwork, "Romance of Three Kingdoms" has 120 episodes, 70 of which happened in Jingzhou. This land created countless heroes and mysterious legends in Chinese history.

    The torch relay will mainly display cultures of the state of Chu and the Three Kingdoms, according to the local government.

    The 18.6-kilometer relay will start from the Golden Phoenix Square and performers will play beautiful melody with the ancient chime bells exclusively owned by Chu to welcome the Olympic sacred flame.