China shaded Japan in men's artistic gymnastics qualifying at the Paris Olympics on Saturday, with all-around leader Zhang Boheng hailing his team's spirit.

On a frenetic first day's action at Bercy Arena, a boisterous crowd was treated to a taste of the thrills and spills ahead, with American superstar Simone Biles making her eagerly awaited entrance on Sunday.

The Russian Olympic Committee won the men's team title at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games but Russian gymnasts are not defending their title, leaving China as favourites to take gold for the first time since London 2012 on Monday.

Led by Olympic debutant Zhang, China topped the team qualifying standings by 2.434 points from Japan.

Britain, featuring world vault champion Jake Jarman and double Olympic pommel horse gold medallist Max Whitlock, were third ahead of Ukraine and the United States.

Zhang topped the individual all-around table from Japan's Shinnosuke Oka and defending champion Daiki Hashimoto.

"I'm happy with that, it's my highest score in a major competition this year" said Zhang.

"Our team performed excellently. Everyone did very well and showed great team spirit." (AFP)