A shopping complex in southern China has rolled out an unusual anti-smoking measure that is drawing widespread attention online. As reported by the South China Morning Post, men’s toilet cubicles at Shenzhen’s Shuibei International Centre and Shuibei Jinzuo Building now use smart glass doors that turn transparent when cigarette smoke is detected.
The malls, both located in Shenzhen, are part of the city’s strictly enforced indoor smoking ban. The glass doors remain opaque under normal conditions, but once sensors detect smoke, the system cuts power and the glass becomes clear within seconds.
The toilet door glass, above, remains opaque until someone begins smoking inside. Photo: ifeng.com
Clear warning notices are posted on the cubicle doors informing users of the feature. One sign reads: “The glass will turn transparent if you smoke. Hold your urge to smoke if you do not want to become famous online.”
The technology was introduced after repeated complaints from shoppers and tenants about people smoking inside restrooms. A staff member at Shuibei Jinzuo, surnamed Zhao, told local broadcaster Shenzhen TV that the system has been on trial since August and has received positive feedback from both shop owners and customers.
Online reaction has been largely supportive, with many users praising the approach as more effective than traditional measures such as warning signs or small fines. Some commenters even suggested expanding the system nationwide, citing frequent encounters with smokers in public toilets.
Others, however, raised concerns about privacy. In response, mall management said the smoke sensors are carefully calibrated to trigger only when cigarette smoke is present, not other odors or steam. They also plan to install a reset button near each door in case the system is activated accidentally.
Legal experts quoted by local media cautioned that while the measure does not violate existing laws, it carries legal risk. Lawyer Lu Weiguo of Guangdong Gehou Law Firm said shopping centres could be held liable if a malfunction leads to an infringement of personal privacy.
Despite the debate, the experiment reflects Shenzhen’s reputation for aggressive and creative enforcement of public health rules. As one online commenter put it, “Shenzhen is truly one of the most pioneering cities in China.”