Tough no-smoking rules take effect

Starting today, all indoor public places and many outdoor public places in Beijing are required to be 100-percent smoke-free, including primary and middle schools, seating areas of sports stadiums and hospitals that treat women or children.

Violators will face fines of up to 200 yuan ($32), and owners of the establishment will face penalties up to 10,000 yuan.

"Beijing has now set the bar very high - and we now look forward to other cities around China, and the world, following Beijing's excellent example," said Bernhard Schwartlander, WHO representative in China.