Zhouzhi gov’t defends 'giant cigarettes'  

陕西周至回应北大门“香烟造型” 称符合县城规划

针对网上备受关注的西安市周至县“香烟造型”北大门景观，周至县28日回应称，县城北大门项目为大周万景商贸城建设项目的一部分。大周万景商贸城建设项目作为2011年周至县招商引资的城市建设项目，符合县城规划要求。

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.