China travel agents seek to cash in on torch euphoria

BEIJING (Reuters) - Missing the patriotic frenzy that has so far accompanied the Olympic torch relay on its China leg?

The southern city of Guangzhou may have the answer -- a one-day tour along its route to relive the moment.

Travel agents in the capital of the booming province of Guangdong, which borders Hong Kong, could start offering that service soon, the official China Tourism News said on Monday.

"Retracing the torch relay not only would let tourists ponder anew its ardent atmosphere, it would also guide them through the city," the newspaper said, citing an unnamed travel agent as saying.

"The nine-hour route took in almost all of Guangzhou's famous landmarks," it added. "It was like a silver thread shuttling its way through the ancient city and would be perfect for a one-day tour of Guangzhou."

The torch took in the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, which is the site of an imperial tomb, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall as well as the new Baiyun International Convention Centre, the report said.

"It would be a great way for travel agents to promote the city's attractions," the newspaper said, adding that several are considering launching such tours.

While the international leg of the relay for this summer's Beijing Olympics was marred by anti-China protests following unrest in Tibet, it has been greeted by thousands of cheering people waving flags on its Chinese route.

The torch is currently in the southeastern province of Fujian, and is working its way through all of China's provinces before ending up in Beijing just ahead of the Games' opening on August 8.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Jeremy Laurence)

("Countdown to Beijing Olympics" blog at blogs.reuters.com/china)