View of tiger cage at Chinese hotel

The rooms, also known as "beast rooms", are built around the tiger cage at Nantong Forest Zoo Park and will allow guests to admire and sleep next to the animal during their stay.

According to a hotel employee, the room windows will be covered with explosion-proof glass to ensure the safety of guests.

The employee also said that four “beast rooms” have been prepared but are not yet open to the public.

“The rooms are not available yet. We have not received any notification as to when they will be available,” she said.

Room overlooking the hotel's tiger cage

An official from the Chongchuan District Culture and Tourism Bureau in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, told the South China Morning Post that they would re-evaluate the “special project” after it raised safety concerns and was criticised for making money off of animal cruelty.

“We will reconsider whether the implementation is reasonable,” he said.

The hotel has sparked public criticism after a video tour of the room was posted by Jimu News on January 20.

The video shows the suite's window facing the tiger cage taking up an entire wall, from which people in the room can see the tiger walking around in the enclosed space, which is covered in concrete.

"What is the purpose of this? To celebrate the Year of the Tiger? Is the glass strong enough? Then you won't sleep and look at the tiger all night?", one user commented on social media Weibo.

“This is tiger abuse,” another commented.

Tigers at Nantong Zoo Park

According to Jimu News, local authorities said the rooms were an approved new experience project. The park is also legally keeping the tiger.

A similar tiger-themed restaurant has also been opened at the park in recent years, where guests can watch the animal while they eat.

Similar gimmicks at tourist attractions are not uncommon in China.

In Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, a hotel built around a polar bear enclosure allows guests to observe the animals from the restaurant and all other rooms. The hotel was condemned by conservationists when it opened in March 2021.

According to Zing