Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has undertaken a new attempt to fight corruption after implementing a diktat it named "the discipline rules concerning leading cadres hosting weddings, funerals and parties" on Friday.

It is the first time such wide-ranging rules have been issued at the provincial level. They cover incumbent and retired cadres at or above county level in government organizations, State-owned enterprises and institutions across Xinjiang, said Liu Xinyan, deputy secretary of the regional discipline inspection commission.

The rules target a handful of cadres who have laid on lavish weddings, funerals and parties and collected money from them. The practice has been a bad influence and affected social morality, said Liu.

The number of guests attending wedding banquets hosted by cadres is now limited to 300 and the number of automobiles that drop off and pick up guests to attend weddings, funerals and parties will be a maximum of eight.

Compared with previous regulations on corruption and self-discipline, the new rules are more specific in directing proper procedure regarding the hosting of weddings and funerals, Liu said.

Cadres should report weddings 10 days ahead to the discipline inspection and organization departments. They should also provide a timely report after hosting funerals. Apart from weddings and funerals, cadres are not allowed to host parties or banquets.

The consequent official report, which should contain detailed information of the time, location and guest numbers of weddings and funerals, will be kept in the cadres "integrity archives".

The regional discipline inspection commission has opened websites and hotlines to collect information about alleged corruption from the public. Cadres found guilty of any infringement will be severely punished for violations of the rules and fined, said officials.