A replica of the London 2012 Olympic torch was unveiled in Beijing on Wednesday, three days before the start of the Olympic torch relay.

The replica is a scaled-down version of the actual Games torch, and its appearance marks the first time a replica of an Olympic torch has been made available for sale with a price of 2,980 yuan ($471). In China, a limited number of 50,000 will be sold.

The golden torch symbolizes the rays of the Olympic flame. It is 800 mm in height and 800 grams in weight. There are 8,000 engraved rings on the torch, symbolizing the 8,000 torchbearers who will transport the flame to London.

The torch is basically a triangular column whose three surfaces represent a number of different concepts, including the Olympic motto "faster, higher, stronger", the three Olympic Games held by London in 1908, 1948 and 2012, and London's plan to combine sport, culture and education.

The Olympic flame started its journey from Greece and will arrive in the United Kingdom on Friday. The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will begin the following day. The flame will start its 70-day journey around the UK carried by 8,000 torchbearers, and finally arrive at the Olympic Stadium on July 27.

"As the Olympic torch begins its 8,000-mile journey around the UK, we can see how sport has the power to bring people together, from different countries, cultures and backgrounds without prejudice or discrimination, whether at the global level of the Olympic and Paralympic games, or at the local level through activities with schools and communities," said British ambassador Sebastian Wood.

"The 2008 Beijing Games was a very spectacular event and very hard for us to follow. We hope between July and September the London Olympic and Paralympic games will catch the imagination of the Chinese to symbolize the partnership between the two countries."

A major UK culture festival with more than 100 events in 15 cities across China will also be held to celebrate the Olympics. People in China will get the chance to appreciate the best of British music, ballet, theater, visual arts and museums.

tangzhe@chinadaily.com.cn?