Authorities in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province have in recent years removed a large number of park benches along the scenic West Lake in order to give more privacy to lovers enjoying the view.

The move followed a suggestion made years ago by President Xi Jinping, who then served as a local official, local media revealed Tuesday.

A total of 60 benches remain along both sides of the one-kilometer-long Bai Causeway, one of the most crowed areas of the famed West Lake.

Around 30 meters separates each of the remaining benches built for two, Shanghai-based news portal thepaper.cn reported.

"After West Lake was opened to the public free of charge [in 2002], we installed many benches close together to accommodate the increased visitors," said Liu Ying, head of management office of the West Lake scenic area on Sunday.

"Afterwards, President Xi, who was then the secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, suggested that the space between benches be widened in consideration of the many couples that come to enjoy the view," said Liu.