A legal guide posted on the official webstie of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) says:" Foreigners must respect Chinese laws while in China and must not harm China's national security or damage the social order."

The guide explains some of the relevant Chinese laws in 57 question-and-answer forms, offering "legal reference for foreign athletes, officials, reporters and tourists to know and obey related Chinese laws during their stay in China for the Olympic Games" and covering a wide range of subjects for foreigners, from their entry, exit and tourism to accommodation and transportation in the country.

"Those holding Olympic tickets are not guaranteed of being granted a visa," the guide says. "They still need to visit China embassies and consulates and apply for visas according to the related rules."

Weapons (real and imitation) ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency notes, narcotics and poisons are among the items not allowed into China, the guide says.

It warns overseas visitors against shouting insulting slogans or displaying them on banners, and forbids the display of religious, political or racial banners at sports venues.

Detailing some other activities forbidden at cultural and sport events, the guide also warns against attacking referees or players and lighting of fireworks.

The guide was drafted by the legal affairs office of Beijing municipality and other government departments, and its English version will be issued soon, a source at BOCOG said.