An Olympic official, surrounded by models in new torchbearer uniforms, shows off a back-up lantern for the 2008 Olympic torch relay at a ceremony in Beijing on January 16. The lantern will house an emergency back-up flame for the torch during a 130-day journey around the world, starting on March 25. It is one of a number of items associated with the torch relay, all of which use a phoenix and cloud design that reflects the core of traditional Chinese culture.

The other items include the Olympic cauldron, decals for the chartered aircraft carrying the flame and escorting cars and motorcycles, and advertising banners and city decorations.

The torch itself was officially launched in April 2007.