After a long and often turbulent journey around the globe, the Olympic flame began the last leg of its voyage today in front of euphoric crowds lining the streets of Beijing.

Hundreds of runners will carry the torch on its three-day relay past some of the capital's most important landmarks, culminating in its arrival at the Bird's Nest Stadium for the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday evening.

The torch's appearance in Beijing marks the end of a 130-day, 140,000-kilometre world tour which, marred by protests across Europe and America against Chinese rule in Tibet and demanding improved human rights, has been forced to take place under intense security.

But after a poignant run in China's Sichuan province, where an 8.0-magnitude earthquake killed more than 70,000 people in May, the torch was rapturously received today by thousands of people eager to see both the flame and the celebrities who carried it.

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The first torchbearer was Yang Liwei, who in 2003 became China's first man in space and a national hero. "I'm very happy to be here," he said, before setting off from the Forbidden City's Meridian Gate. "That the torch is finally in Beijing is a realization of a dream we've had for a hundred years."

Other torchbearers included the NBA basketball player, Yao Ming, and the film director, Zhang Yimou who has designed the opening ceremony.

As Mr Yang carried the flame towards Tiananmen Square, traditional dance groups brought in from across the city performed at the roadside.

"This is such an important event - it's so exciting to be here," said Feng Linyin, a 65-year-old fan dancer who had been waiting with her group since 6am to see the flame. "But I am also happy because so many old people are able to participate today."

Many of the dance troupes had been plucked straight from the parks of Beijing, where they gather every morning to practice their art - until now, entirely for their own private enjoyment. They had been informed just three days ago that they would be performing at the relay today.

The torch passed through Tiananmen Square to the chants of the Workers' Cheerleading Team: "Come on, China! Come on, Beijing!"

But despite the festive mood, a heavy security presence along the route served as a reminder of the government's anxiety after 16 policemen were killed in an attack on a police patrol in the Xinjiang region of western China on Monday.

From Tiananmen Square, the torch relay will continue to the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall. Although rumours are rife, it remains unknown who will light the flame at the Olympic cauldron on Friday evening.