The Olympic torch has began the mainland China leg of its relay in Sanya on Sunday in front of thousands of flag-warning after a global journey marred by protests over Tibet & other controversies. Yang Yang, winter Olympic speed skating champion, was the first to carry the torch, followed by NBA basketball player Yi Jianlian.

From Sanya, the capital of the tropical southern island of Hainan, the Olympic torch will travel through more than 100 cities & scenic spots, including Tibet & Xinjiang where protests have erupted in recent weeks against Chinese rule.

Thousands of people gathered in Sanya to welcome the Olympic flame home, many of whom waved national flags & those carrying the logos of the main Olympics sponsors, with the event broadcast on national television.

The Sanya leg of the Olympic torch relay was expected to be trouble-free amid tight security, as China attempted to prevent the kinds of protests that interrupted the flame’s journey in other cities around the world.