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The city's production safety supervision bureau will combine with the Shenzhen tourism bureau to launch safety checks on Christmas Eve in Nanshan District where festivities are likely to reach a peak.

Target areas are the Nanhai Hotel, Shekou Bar Street, and Window of the World, where the majority of Shenzhen foreigners would gather for Christmas parties. In recent years, more Chinese people have started celebrating Western festivals.

"According to our experience, these sites usually attract many Christmas revelers. People tend to be very excited and ignore safety so our checks will focus on both the hidden safety hazard and overall management," said Liu Guangqi, director of the production safety supervision bureau.

Checks will include fire safety facilities and crowd control. "Shenzhen's public security bureau has mapped out new regulations for the capacity of local entertainment places. If the number of patrons exceeds the limit, they will also be considered dangerous," said Liu, who reminded Shenzhen citizens to avoid densely crowded entertainment venues.

In the latest regulation, the capacity limits are closely related to the size of the night spots. Those exceeding capacity limits will be liable to fines ranging from 1,000 yuan (US$120) to 10,000 yuan.

Editor: Catherine