In pictures: Beijing Olympic relay

Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the Co-ordination Commission of the International Olympic Committee, holds the Olympic torch

The Olympic torch is making its way across Beijing on a final relay ahead of the Games' opening ceremony on Friday.

People walk past Chinese security officers during the Olympic torch relay ceremony near Tiananmen Square, Beijing

China has increased policing for the Games, and security was accordingly tight for the relay.

Chinese NBA basketball player Yao Ming passes the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games flame to the next torchbearer in Tiananmen Square, Beijing

Famous Chinese basketball player Yao Ming, who is 7ft6in tall (2.28m) , carried the torch across Tiananmen Square.

Unidentified Chinese hold the Olympic torch as it is taken through Tiananmen Square in Beijing

Overall, 800 people will carry the torch across the city over three days, ending with Friday's opening ceremony.

A Chinese couple show their support for the Chinese Olympic team

Many bystanders were keen to show their support for the Olympics.

A performance for the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Tiananmen Square, Beijing

Performers entertained the crowds who had gathered to watch the torch procession.

Chinese dancers perform under a portrait of Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Traditional dancers displayed their skill beneath a giant portrait of Mao Zedong.

A crowd watches the Olympic torch relay ceremony on a large TV screen in Beijing, China

Those that could not make it to the relay watched the torch's progress on large TV screens.