HEFEI, Central China -- The Olympic torch relay extended its journey in Hefei, capital city of Anhui Province, with Olympic diving champion Li Na running the first leg on Wednesday.

The Wushu world champion Fan Xueping lights the cauldron during the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Hefei, Anhui Province, May 28, 2008. [Xinhua]

The relay started in Anhui Exhibition Center, passing Prosperity Avenue, Jade Road, Politics Square, Hidden Hill road, Friends Road before reaching the destination Hefei Sports Complex.

The highlight landmarks en route includes Anhui Garden, College City, Politics Building, Swan Lake along the 10.8-km relay.

A man puts money into a donation box for Sichuan earthquake relief on the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Hefei, Anhui Province, May 28, 2008. [Xinhua]

Li Na, 24, the Olympic diving champion, was the first torchbearer. She was handed the torch at 8:10 am local time from Sun Jinlong, the provincial party secretary.

"No earthquake happened when I was informed to be a torchbearer, so it's all the happiness for me at that moment. When the quake came, the torch relay was endowed with new contents, passing the cares, fraternity and concerns between each other," said Li, who won a gold and silver medals at the 2000 Summer Olympics.