International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach was among the attendees at an inauguration ceremony, which was hosted by Beijing 2022 President Guo Jinlong.

Beijing's Mayor Wang Anshun and Liu Peng, President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, were also present at the event.

Construction on the 250 metre Olympic Tower began in 2008, with the landmark marking the Summer Olympic Games, which took place that year in the city.

The tower, which is only used for observation, was completed in 2014 and is the fourth tallest building in Beijing.

The Olympic Rings are set to rotate at the top of the structure and will be lit up at night, with Beijing 2022 stating that millions of people in the city will be able to see them.

They also claim that airline passengers will see the Rings as they land at Beijing’s international airport.

“It is remarkable how quickly Beijing has embraced the spirit of Olympic Agenda 2020,” said IOC member Li Lingwei.

“Through a strong focus on sustainability, legacy and feasibility, the Organising Committee is today already laying the foundation for the success of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.”

The IOC have claimed that the erection of the Rings on the Olympic Tower is due to an Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendation, which extended access to the Olympic Brand for non-commercial use.

Beijing were awarded the 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games last year after beating Kazakhstan rival Almaty by 44 votes to 40 at the IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur last July.

It is set to become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Games.