The Olympic torch was welcomed by cheering children amid tight security in Beijing, China on March 31.

The flame was escorted off a plane emblazoned with 'Journey of Harmony' and passed on to officials in a tightly choreographed display outside the gleaming new airport terminal where groups of children waved Chinese and Olympic flags.

The flame, encased in a lantern, was officially welcomed at a formal ceremony at Tiananmen Square.

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Video: ANI