More flexible summer weekend schedules should be explored by some cities, according to an officer at the State Council General Office.

“It can stimulate tourism consumption. But it should be noted that the adjustment should be strictly observed by the regulations issued by the central government,” said the official.

According to regulations, the work time on Friday afternoons can’t be directly arranged into other work days. Practical situations should be taken into consideration if the early Friday departure is accounted into annual leave.