A man smokes at the "the most luxurious smoking area" in Beijing's Wangfujing Street on Thursday. Photo:VCG

A man smokes at the "most luxurious smoking area" in Beijing's Wangfujing Street on Thursday. Photo: VCG



Giant ashtrays in "the most luxurious smoking area" at Beijing's "Fifth Avenue" have been dismantled at the tobacco control association's request prompted by concerns they may encourage smoking. 

The area, of the size of a small restaurant and located in Beijing's "Fifth Avenue" - Wangfujing Street - was formed by 13 pillar-shaped ashtrays and 18 stainless steel stools. The area was enclosed by metal plates and decorated with lantern-shaped lamps with plastic flowers inside.

After being constructed recently, the area became an "iconic" part of the street; of course, it was favored by smokers, who told the Beijing Youth Daily this week that having such a fancy smoking area will do them good.

However, the Chinese Association on Tobacco Control begs to differ. 

The giant and fancy smoking area clearly ran counter to Beijing's regulations on tobacco control, which aim to reduce smoking and create a healthy public environment, Xu Guihua, an expert at the Chinese Association on Tobacco Control, told the Global Times on Friday. 

Xu said that during their field trip to the area, they found some non-smokers relaxing on the stools and taking pictures; moreover, some parents took their kids to play there, while others were smoking. 

Officials in charge of the street told the Beijing Youth Daily that the project was originally designed to boost spiritual civilization, and provide a comfortable environment for smokers. 

Xu said ashtrays of the area have already been dismantled. 

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