'Uncivilized' tourists being banned for fondling naked sculpture's breasts

Tourists at a popular holiday spot have been punished for fondling the breasts of a naked marble sculpture.

The offenders are being banned from tourist areas as the incident comes at a time when Chinese officials are becoming strict on what has been labelled "uncivilised behavior," News.com.au reported. Several men visiting Huaqing Pool, a complex of popular hot springs, were spotted taking photographs with their hands on the breasts of the sculpture in Xi'an city, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The pictures went viral on social media, drawing immediate criticism from many who accused the tourists of being disrespectful.

However, one man was recently black-listed for taking photos of himself while sitting on the head of a Red Army bronze statue at a memorial park. He was banned from visiting China's scenic parks for 10 years.

The marble sculpture now in question is that of historical figure Yang Guifei, the beloved wife of Tang Dynasty (618-907) Emperor Xuanzong and one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China.