Governments in Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, and Ji'an, Jiangxi Province, have adopted flexible holiday models by extending some two-day weekends into 2.5 days beginning of April 1.

The system of an extra half-a-day off will last from April 1 to October 31 every year after its implementation.

The local governments' decisions were made in response to a circular issued by the State Council last August stating that flexible holiday models -- such as taking half a day off on Friday -- give a boost to the tourism industry and to internal consumption.

According to the new regulation in Jinzhong, people can take half a day off on Friday twice a month. However, the employer can require that more than half of all employees are still at work on Friday afternoon.

The adoption of an extra half a day of leave won't contradict the 40 working hours per week stipulated by law. According to the two cities, people who take a half-day off on Friday should spend two extra working hours each week or trade the leave with other paid holidays.

The new regulation applies to government departments and public institutions. Social organizations and enterprises are given freedom to decide whether or not to follow it.

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