Honduran international Emil Martinez scored a hat-trick while Zhou Ting converted a penalty as Guoan secured their first league title since China's professional football league was launched in 1994.

The hosts made the perfect start as Martinez opened the scoring with just two minutes on the clock when he was sent through by Ryan Griffiths and though goalkeeper Jiang Bo denied his initial close-range shot, the striker showed lightning quick reflexes to stab the rebound home.

Martinez doubled the advantage four minutes after the interval with a superb long-range effort before Zhou Ting extended the lead in the 75th minute, converting a penalty earned by Griffiths.

Martinez scored his third goal of the game four minutes later, chipping home in a one-on-one situation with Jiang after latching onto Griffiths well-timed through ball.

"My players displayed a good spirit today which I had never seen before," said Beijing coach Hong Yuanshuo, who replaced South Korean Lee Jang-soo in mid-September.

"We played well in several crucial matches this year. The iron will we showed helped us to achieve what we wanted."

The title race was unusually intense with Beijing, Henan Jianye and Changchun Yatai all capable of winning the league in today's final round.

Henan were tied with Beijing on points but suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Shenzhen Kingway.

Beijing's victory also dashed Hangzhou's hopes of retaining their place in the CSL as they were relegated to the second division after finishing second bottom of the standings. Chongqing Lifan were also relegated.

Changchun, who were one point adrift of Beijing before the final round, edged Chongqing 3-2 to secure second place.

Beijing, Changchun, Henan and 2008 CSL champions Shandong Luneng will compete in the Asian Champions League next season.

Shandong were defeated by Changsha Ginde 1-0 at home on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Shanghai Shenhua edged Changsha Ginde 2-1, Qingdao Zhongneng outclassed Dalian Shide 3-1, Shaanxi Baorong drew 2-2 with Jiangsu Shuntian while Tianjin Teda beat Guangzhou Guangyao 2-1.