Zhanjiang in South China's Guangdong province launched its first smart self-service exit-entry hall on Dec 25 to help deepen public security reform and improve service level.

"I completed the passport procedure in one minute according to the voice prompts without the help of staff members," said Mr. Liang, the first citizen to try the service on the day.

Six reception counters covering a building area of 42 square meters in the immigration administration branch of the Zhanjiang public security bureau in Chikan district are able to provide services like online booking, smart guidance, smart acceptance, and regular self-service.

The smart self-service exit-entry hall has facilitated and met the demand for permit applications. It is expected that cities, counties, and districts in Zhanjiang will also gradually launch smart self-service halls for issuing entry-exit permits by the first half of next year.