Torch begins mainland China tour

Thousands of people cheered on the torch bearers

The Olympic torch has started its tour of mainland China, ahead of the summer Games in Beijing in August.

Crowds of people waving flags welcomed the torch to the resort of Sanya, on Hainan island.

It arrived in China after a global relay marked by protests over China's policies in Tibet.

The torch is scheduled to visit every province in China before arriving in Beijing several days before the Olympics begin.

Athletes, celebrities and sponsors were among those carrying the torch in Sanya.

Thousands of people turned out to watch, cheering and climbing trees to get a better view.

CHINA RELAY CITIES IN FOCUS Use the map to see the full Olympic torch relay route or read about some of the key cities: Full route map, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Jinggangshan, Shanghai, Nanjing, Huangshan, Three Gorges, Kaili, Lhasa, Urumqi, Xian, Yanji, Weihai, Qufu, Anyang, Beijing.

The torch will travel next to the southern Guangdong province.

Its arrival in mainland China came as Tibetan envoys of the Dalai Lama were due to meet Chinese officials for the first time since the protests in March.

Pro-China supporters, democracy activists and lone protesters all made their voices heard when the Olympic torch was relayed through Hong Kong on Friday.

Clad in red and bearing determined expressions, the pro-China groups vastly outnumbered the handful of protesters.