Shennongshan Sightseeing Zone (Photo/Dahe.cn)

An online debate has begun after a scenic spot in central China’s Henan province announced a promotional offer which allowed Huawei mobile phone users free tickets on Dec. 15.

According to the information posted by the Shennongshan Sightseeing Zone in Qinyang, Henan province, the users of Huawei and Huawei's sub-brand Honor can enjoy free access to the scenic area from Dec. 16 to 29.

Dahe.cn later verified the information and was told by a scenic spot employee that the practice would only be a short-term promotion, and no other free services would be offered.

The offer has received a huge amount of attention online. Some people believe that it's a standard promotion, while others, including industry insiders, explain that such an offer might harm equality, and is possibly even a form of discrimination.

A law expert explained in a video on a news site that this kind of promotion is not illegal and is understandable.

However, an insider noted that the scenic spot's decision is nothing but advertising to create a hype around Huawei. He later added that such practice could be a form of reverse discrimination.

A local tourism department said that they had received complaints, but had been told by the consumer association that such practice is not against the Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests.

The China National Tourism Administration said they would further investigate the issue.