The Chinese capital of Beijing has begun its Olympic system with the opening of the athletes' village.

All regulations and systems Beijing has introduced for its hosting of the Olympics opening August 8 took effect Sunday.

Under the new rules, strict driving curbs seek to reduce the city's notorious air pollution and traffic, banning all passenger vehicles from entering areas around the Olympic Center and requiring all Olympic tourists to use public transportation.

In addition, cars with odd- and even-numbered licence plates are banned from roads on alternate days. Violators are subject to a fine of 1,800 yuan.

Small private aircraft are also banned from entering Beijing airspace, while Beijing Capital International Airport has doubled the number of security checks.