The Australian Olympic Committee says it is business as usual in Beijing today despite the city being shrouded in smog.

The Olympics opening ceremony is only a day away and Chinese authorities will be nervous about how their capital will look on its big day.

As athletes have steadily arrived over the past week, Chinese officials have downplayed the pollution issue, but it is stubbornly refusing to go away.

Today it can best be described as a white-out, with visibility down to about 500 metres. The smog is so thick that passers-by on the streets fail to cast shadows.

But AOC vice-president Peter Montgomery says unless health authorities begin to caution athletes, the Australian team will not be changing its preparations.

“We’re here and we’re here to do a job and we obviously can’t make any changes at the moment,” he said.

“I haven’t heard from any athlete that they’re not going on with the job.”

It is hoped forecast rain will help clear the smog before tomorrow’s opening ceremony.