Deaf-mute Jiang Xintian lights a small cauldron in the hands of wheelchair-bound fencer Jin Jing at the Paralympic Flame Lighting Ceremony in Beijing's symbolic Temple of Heaven on August 28.

For nine days until September 6, when the 13th Paralympics opens in Beijing, a total of 850 torchbearers would relay the Paralympic flame along two routes through 11 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

About 4,000 disabled athletes from around the world will compete in 472 events in 20 sports during the September 6-17 Games.