BEIJING - Beijing is dismantling illegal and unsightly billboards across the city, authorities said Saturday.

The campaign targets key areas, including the city's main thoroughfare Chang'an Avenue, expressways and areas that "make the first impression of Beijing on visitors," according to government official Li Jing.

The campaign will specifically target the Shilihe area in Chaoyang District, where building materials markets, home decoration companies and antiques emporia converge and a major expressway enters the city.

"Many of the billboards were put up illegally and are in a state of poor repair. They are both ugly and a danger to the public," Li said.

The government is also concerned by illegal outdoor electronic displays and those which are not brought within regulations will be demolished.

Beijing has dealt with more than 5,000 illegal billboards already this year.