Friday, March 13, 2009

Gassy room? No problem...





The Hunan Civil Aviation Hotel in Changsha is the first hotel I've ever stayed at offering their guests a 200 yuan gas mask. When we found it, we didn't know if we should be scared or relieved. Although one of us was tempted to make a purchase (claiming she wanted to bring it back to Shanghai as a 'unique Changsha souvenir') we talked her out and we ended up leaving it where we found it, and where I hope it will be found for the next few years (in fact, I wonder how old it is already?) 

Anyone know if this is a China hotel standard? Gas mask next to the minibar?

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ha! I've seen quite a few crazy things on the minibar shelf of the hotels we've stayed at, but never a gas mask!

That's hilarious. Besides that, who's going to stop and pay 200 yuan if the city's getting sprayed with chemicals?

Ramesh said...

Oh. This is quite common in Guangzhou - in fact in every building. I think its part of the fire safety code and required by law.

Anonymous said...

It's for breathing in event of fire, you know, protect you from smoke inhalation?

Jenny said...

From the Chinese writing on the box, I think it's intended for fire emergencies to reduce chocking on the smoke.

But who knows!

m--e said...

I've seen them a couple times before, usually at the bottom of the nightstand next to the bed. I don't think they were for purchase - I thought they were in case of fire!

mantse said...

i don't think this is a "standard" equipments at the hotel of China as i travel around China.

But i have never been Hunan before... maybe special in Hunan hotel? let me check to my friend later. ^_^!

i just wonder why need this? caused Hunan is the largest firework manufacturing province so this is for safety reason?

Anonymous said...

I'm sure this is NOT a China hotel standard. Didn't you ask the front desk why there's a gas mask in the room?

Unknown said...

Wow! I'll never forget having to down a Gas Mask in 1991 when Saddam Hussein attacked Israel.
Im wondering why they would have them in that part of China?
Is the hotel near a nuclear reactor?
Still I think you should feel very secure that there is one in the room but I wonder if it'd do the job if it was required?

Jonna Wibelius said...

Josh -exactly! That's just what I was thinking.. in case of fire, should I first run and pay at the desk and then put it on... or can I pay afterwards? ;)

Ramesh -ha, I had no idea!

Anonymous -yeah, I know what a gas mask is for!! I just never expected to find one next to the bar in the hotel room. Not saying it is a bad idea... but it's still a bit funny (in my eyes)

Jenny -yeah, who knows!!

m--e -nothing is for free over here... ;)

mantse -let me know what your friend tells you!!

John -no, we never asked at the reception why they had it... I guess we were too busy laughing about it.

Twingle -nuclear reaction?!?!? I hope not!! But then again.. who knows?! Haha!

Anonymous said...

I have seen it in several places in China. Even think I have seen it in a Suzhou hotel as well. Though it seems to be more common in southern parts of China.

Anonymous said...

I think everyone is missing the point. Gas mask in the room in case of fire is fine. Charging 200 rmb is bizarre! Anyway, your deposit should cover the 200 rmb even if you "forget" to leave the money when you are being evacuated!

Unknown said...

This is the fire safety code by China Fire Bureau.

Anonymous said...

muhahaha! Be very afraid...... Be very afraid......

jeez, gas mask inside the hotel?! It must've been in a terrible accident before.

keep up the good work on blogging!

cheers!

Anonymous said...

You should have checked out with the front desk. Not sure if it's the Chineese Standard. absurd.

Melanie said...

My question is, if it's needed, who gets the mask? Does everyone have to fight for the one gas mask?

Brad Farless said...

Wow! That's a fantastic find Jonna! That's the last thing I'd expect to find in a hotel.

Makes me wish I'd taken a picture of myself wearing my gas mask and chemical suit while I was in the US Army though. Now that I think about it, a lot of things that were common place to me then would make for great photos now. Hmmm... hindsight...

Jonna Wibelius said...

melanie -yeah, that was something we were wondering too... because we were staying in a room with three beds and only one gas mask...

Brad Farless said...

Maybe you have to take turns?

mantse said...

i have checked...... sure this is not a "standard" items in a room..... maybe just something for westerner??