The new regulation, released on Wednesday, could affect foreign advertising companies. Business from advertising hoardings is expected to gain momentum in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The Beijing Morning Post newspaper reported no advertisements were allowed within 200 meters of government offices, protected historic and cultural sites, embassies or the offices of international organizations.

Also on the list of banned areas are Tiananmen Square, the government compound at Zhongnanhai, the city's central axis Changan Avenue between Fuxingmen and Jianguomen, the Forbidden City and the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Company signboards on buildings or roofs are also banned in the areas.

It also puts greater restraints on pylons holding massive hoardings around the Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park, the Central Business District in eastern Beijing - where the World Trade Center is located - the new Olympic area, any popular tourist places or along the route that visiting VIPs follow from the airport to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Adverts on buildings taller than 24 metres, residential buildings, municipal facilities and public transport will also be banned. Museums, galleries, schools, stadiums and traditional buildings with decorated roofs will follow suit.

The Government said the ruling was imposed to improve safety and clear streets and passageways of obstructions.

But the ban does not include the downtown shopping and business districts. These are about the only places designated as outdoor advertising areas.

(China Daily 08/24/2001)