Zhouzhi gov’t defends 'giant cigarettes'  

陜西周至回應北大門“香煙造型” 稱符合縣城規劃

針對網上備受關注的西安市周至縣“香煙造型”北大門景觀，周至縣28日回應稱，縣城北大門項目為大周萬景商貿城建設項目的一部分。大周萬景商貿城建設項目作為2011年周至縣招商引資的城市建設項目，符合縣城規劃要求。

Zhouzhi (CNS) -- The government of Zhouzhi County in Shaanxi Province on Wednesday responded to criticism from netizens about a city landscape project.

An article posted online had accused the government of spending a million yuan to erect eight huge pillars that resembled cigarettes standing on end.

The government said the pillars were inspired by Paifang, an arch-like style of gate, and represented an active and passionate image of the county.

The pillars are part of an incomplete city landscape project at the county's north gate which we hope will improve the regional environment, the government said.

The manager of the company responsible for the project refused to reveal how much it cost.