Chen, a senior Communist Party official, was handed the key to the heavily-guarded compound by Beijing Olympic chief Liu Qi during the ceremony.
The 42 newly-built apartment blocks can house 17,000 people in 9,000 rooms, but officials say 1,000 fewer than that total will take up occupancy during the Games. The flats will house either four or eight people and are partially powered by solar energy. Unlike most of China, residents will be able to drink water straight from the tap and specially extended beds have been installed for taller athletes.
China was the first delegation to take residence by raising its flag at the Village, with NBA Star Yao Ming and hurdles World Champion Liu Xiang among the athletes present to witness the event.
The flats, which will be refitted and sold after the Olympics, are expected to cost up to $1 million each.
