A number of designated smoking rooms have recently appeared in public places in Hohhot, capital of China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which has sparked heated discussions among citizens, reports Chinanews.com.

Each room, covering an area of around 25 square meters, is capable of containing 6 to 9 people. The glass-walled room is equipped with an electric cigarette lighter, ashtrays, smoke filtering system, and even a tobacco vending machine. The room also includes facilities such as an air conditioner, toilet, mobile phone charging devices, newspapers and magazines.

Urban management authorities in Hohhot say the project will help with fire prevention, provide healthier air for both smokers and non-smokers, as well as help to reduce cigarette butts thrown onto the streets. The city aims to establish more than 100 such rooms in densely-populated places including train stations, airports, malls, parks and hospitals.

However, the program is not welcomed among many citizens. Some are concerned that providing such a cozy environment for smokers and installing the cigarette vending machines might further encourage the habit of smoking. Some complain that the construction is unnecessary and a waste of public resources.

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