And she is also facing charges of taking bribes worth 100,000 yuan from a local businessman surnamed Guan in return for helping his company secure a high credit rating from the local Gongbei Customs.

"As a native of Zhongshan, I am very sorry for what I did during my official term," Li said through tears in front of judges and about 90 people in court.

She had once been a high flyer and was promoted to become director of a local residential community in Zhongshan when she was only 16 and was later honored for being one of the top 10 mayors in the country, thanks to the city's strong performance in urban construction, environmental protection and the finance and transportation industries.

Li, who became mayor of Zhongshan in 2007, was removed from her post after the case was made public at the end of May 2010.

The verdict will be announced at a future date.