A large, open air smoking area located in Beijing's Wangfujing pedestrian walking street is being accused of violating local smoking control regulations, reports chinanews.com.

Photo shows an open air smoking area on Wangfujing in central Beijing, January 7, 2019. (Photo: IC)

The 70 meter outdoor smoking zone features 18 stainless steel seats, 13 standing ashtray pillars, six metal barriers including two advertising boards and a smoke ring-shaped statue.

Beijing Tobacco Control Association (BTCA) claims the smoking zone, which is located outside the entrance of a department store, represents a safety hazard.

The BTCA also contends the outdoor smoking area poses a danger to the public, as it poses health risks to visitors, especially to women, children and the elderly.

"The area is a disguised form of tobacco advertising, and its establishment may induce young people passing by to smoke," argues the BTCA.

The Association is calling for Wangfujing to be turned into a smoke-free zone, given the daily passenger flows on the street.