Members of the public can view at first hand what life is really behind bars following a decision in Beijing to open some of its securely locked prisons for public visits. Yesterday a second city jail was allowing the public to visit following the opening up of Beijing Women's Prison to visitors on certain days earlier this month. 

Those aged over 18 can apply for a one-day visit to Beijing Prison located in the suburbs about one hour's drive from downtown and home to nearly 2,000 male convicts sentenced to more than 15 years behind bars, the prison authorities explained. 

"Nearly 100 people visited us on the opening day," said Sun Xibin, deputy head of the prison. The first visitors were organized by the Chinese PLA Headquarters of the General Staff and Central China Construction Co. Ltd.

The facilities open to the public include the inmates' living areas, parlors, psychological counseling centers and the prison's factory, Sun said. He said visitors could meet and talk to inmates with supervision but contact without approval was strictly prohibited. 

Prison authorities have said more prisons will be opened to the public in the future. However, to ensure safety police said no more than 40 individuals or groups with over 100 visitors would be allowed to visit at one time.

Items such as cameras, cell phones, tape recorders, handbags and backpacks cannot be brought into the prison. Visitors should strictly follow the instructions of prison guards and not move beyond authorized areas.

(Xinhua News Agency July 27, 2006)