A cinema in northwestern China has gained attention on social media for its unique noon nap service, offering adjustable seats for workers to relax during their lunch breaks.
This popular initiative at Lumiai Cinema in Xian, Shaanxi province, has been operational since April last year, according to Jimu News.
Priced at 39.9 yuan (US$6) for a single membership and 59.9 yuan for a double pass, the monthly subscription allows patrons to enjoy a rejuvenating nap in two designated screening halls on any working day.
A manager from the cinema, known by her surname Xu, shared with the media that the noon nap service was launched to boost the occupancy rate of its screening halls, as attendance tends to be low on weekdays.
The cinema has designated two halls featuring a total of 76 adjustable seats, which can be reclined flat, allowing customers to rest from 12pm to 2.30pm.
Complimentary blankets, coffee, and other beverages are provided, whereas disposable earplugs and eye masks are available for a nominal fee of 5.9 yuan each.
Customers are requested to silence their mobile phones, and if they need to make or receive calls, they should step outside the napping area.
In adherence to a policy aimed at maintaining a pleasant atmosphere, patrons are required to keep their shoes on in the sleeping area, as highlighted by the promotional poster for the service.
Most of the seats are located in the Leisure Screening Hall, which is favoured by customers for its more spacious seating options ideal for napping.
The other venue, dubbed the Massage Seat Hall, features massage chairs that can also be reclined flat.
For customers who snore, the cinema staff will gently advise them to use the Massage Seat Hall, where fewer individuals rest due to the narrower seating arrangement.
A 33-year-old man, surnamed Guo, who works nearby, mentioned that he has subscribed to the noon nap service for four months.
“In the past, I would nap at my workstation, but it was never restful. Now, I come here for a break every working day,” he stated.
“The Leisure Hall is dark and clean; I can lie down comfortably, making it easy for me to fall asleep,” Guo added.
Wittily branded as the “lying flat plan,” the noon nap service taps into a popular trend in China, referring to the younger generation’s inclination to adopt a minimalist approach to life.
The manager noted that more than half of the seats are utilised for the noon nap service on most days.
The story has captured the attention of mainland social media.
“Workers truly need this. It’s affordable. I hope it gains traction across the country,” commented one internet user.
Another added: “What a creative solution! The cinema can benefit financially from this as well.”
Taking a midday nap is a prevalent practice in China, believed to be advantageous for health.
A survey published by the China Sleep Research Society in March found that over 70 per cent of Chinese people enjoy an afternoon nap lasting at least 30 minutes. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
