A death sentence with a reprieve is typically commuted to life in jail. The government often shifts trials of high-level officials outside their home base to avoid any political influence.

Liu's lawyer said his client had not decided whether to appeal, Xinhua reported. But relatives wanted him to, other reports said. The court usually allows 10 days to file an appeal.

The court also deprived him of his political rights, a symbolic move. Liu is the highest-ranking Beijing official to be tried for corruption since the downfall of former party secretary Chen Xitong in 1995.

Liu's crimes took place from 1999 to 2006, when he was vice-mayor and director of the management committee of Zhongguancun, the mainland's Silicon Valley, the court said.

During that time, he abused his position to exchange assets, win land-development rights, award promotions, secure loans and seek benefits on behalf of others in return for bribes, Caijing magazine said.

He took nearly 7 million yuan (HK$7.94 million).

He did this independently or in co-operation with one of his mistresses, Wang Jianrui . Her case is being handled separately.

Another mistress reportedly blew the whistle on Liu by secretly videotaping a tryst at a luxury hotel and handing the recording to authorities after he spurned her.

Liu had many mistresses and, for convenience, built a 'luxury palace' in the Beijing suburbs managed by one mistress, according to a report by the Hong Kong China News Agency.

Caijing has previously said that Wang, legal representative of a construction engineering company, allegedly won projects for a tennis court, hockey ground and archery field for the Olympics with Liu's help.

Liu's portfolio as vice-mayor included construction, property, sports and traffic projects, though government officials deny the corruption case involved projects for the Games. The bribes came from 10 companies and individuals, the magazine said, but did not name them. The bribes included money, a Buick car, two properties, jewellery and an antique Buddha statue. He also purchased another home at far below market price.

Liu's lawyer and his wife, who was also present at the sentencing, said he did not speak in court and was quickly taken away after the verdict was announced.

The Hong Kong China News Agency report said Liu wept three times during the trial when recalling how he started as a coal miner and was promoted to an official of deputy minister level in charge of construction. He admitted most details of the bribes.

Liu was removed as vice-mayor in June 2006 and expelled from the party six months later, indicating the government's desire to prosecute.

Before serving as vice-mayor, he was head of Beijing's labour bureau, Communist Party secretary of Beijing's Xicheng district and secretary general of the city government.

The case echoes another high-level trial. Former Shanghai party secretary Chen Liangyu was sentenced to 18 years in jail this year, though many believe his arrest was the result of political infighting.