Public sports facilities in Shenyang, the Liaoning provincial capital, will be open at least 10 hours a day under a new regulation, Liaoning Daily reported.

The regulation, introduced on Tuesday, states that all facilities should be open throughout the year, except on days when there are sponsored contests, when maintenance is being carried out, or when "improper" climate and safety conditions are encountered.

The new rule also states that customers should pay to use the facilities. Children, students, the elderly and disabled people can use them at certain times free of charge.