BEIJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chen Zhifeng, former vice mayor of Tianjin Municipality, faced Party disciplinary punishments for violating frugality rules and misusing his power, according to the top anti-graft agency Tuesday.

Chen violated the Party's frugality rules by playing golf many times, even after the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress, held in late 2012, according to the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI).

The CPC released its eight-point rules in late 2012 to reduce undesirable work practices and maintain close ties with the masses, which include requirements on frugality. Certain lifestyles, such as playing golf, frequenting clubs and hosting expensive banquets are considered extravagant.

Chen also violated working protocols and regulations when making key decisions and approving government projects, which caused huge damage to state interests, the CCDI statement said.

He was punished with "two years' probation within the Party," the second most serious Party disciplinary punishment after "expulsion from the Party." He was also demoted and had illegal revenue confiscated, according to the statement.