Beijing is to unveil plans for a low-emission zone and vehicle congestion charge by the end of the year, with the measures to come into effect as early as 2015.
Environmental officials say they are consulting with experts on whether to adopt a scheme similar to those followed in London or Milan.
In London, the congestion charge is only imposed in some parts of the low-emission zone, while a fee is collected from every driver entering the low-emission zone in Milan.