China bans private clubs in historical buildings, parks

China's central authority issued a decree prohibiting private clubs in historical buildings, parks and other public facilities on Monday in the latest crackdown against hedonism and extravagance among officials.

Private clubs set up in historical buildings and parks have damaged public interests, fanned corruption and triggered strong discontent among society, according to the guideline forwarded by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.

The joint decree was originally made by 10 different ministries.

High-end restaurants, gymnasiums, spas and hotels were among those listed as not allowed to open in historical buildings or parks.

Membership-only clubs inside historic buildings and parks not open to the public must be shut down, according to the decree.

Officials will be held accountable for their negligence and misconduct in the crackdown, it said, adding the public resources of historical sites and parks must be put under public supervision.

Public anger has been rising against private clubs, which are often illicitly built with public resources, sometimes in historical buildings or parks, and frequently visited by the powerful and rich.

The CPC has been effectively fighting corruption since Xi Jinping took the helm in November 2012, targeting official decadence and corruption in its ban of luxury banquets, flower arrangements in meeting rooms, expensive liquor, delicacies such as shark fin, and luxurious gifts during festivals.

Officials are also ordered not to use public money to attend expensive training programs such as EMBA classes to network with businessmen.