Zhao Zhihong stands accused of murder, rape, robbery and larceny. File photo.

The trial of an alleged serial killer began Monday in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The case was reopened more than eight years after his first trial.

Zhao Zhihong, 42, stands accused of murder, rape, robbery and larceny, the Hohhot Intermediate People's Court said.

Monday morning's session focused on Zhao's robbery and larceny charges. It was open to the public.

Prosecutors charged Zhao with robbing a man surnamed Chi in a residential community in the regional capital of Hohhot on May 19, 1996.

Zhao was also accused of stealing cash and property, including a gold ring, between 1998 and 2000, which were valued at more than 3,000 yuan ($490) in total.