A ban on Party and government officials smoking in public places or during official activities may face huge challenges in implementation, government officials and experts said.

A circular released on Sunday by the central government bans Party and government officials from smoking in places such as schools, hospitals, sporting venues, museums and public transport vehicles.

It also bans them from smoking during "official activities", including meetings and business dinners, according to Wang Yukai, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Governance.