The first torchbearer was 47-year-old Shen Xue, who won China's first pairs figure skating gold medal with partner Zhao Hongbo at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics — a major breakthrough for Chinese figure skating.

The torchbearers passed through landmarks such as the century-old Binzhou Railway Bridge, Zhaolin Park, which is known for its ice and snow art, the renowned Central Avenue, the Flood Control Memorial Tower and Nine Stations Park, where Harbin residents enjoy snow and ice leisure activities.

Torchbearer Liang Xiaosheng, a renowned writer and a professor at Beijing Language and Culture University, said: "I've been looking forward to this day since the invitation came. Relying on its abundant winter resources, Harbin has already become a popular tourism destination, and it is buzzing with more excitement as the Games are coming.