A new hospital in Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, has sparked a massive debate after its bosses decided to display more than 500 pieces of men's underwear on its walls as a promotional tactic.

One pair spanned 4 m long and 3 m wide.

Situated on Shaoshanbei Road, the Changsha Boda Hospital, which specializes in urological diseases, opened its doors to the public on Sunday.

The hospital administration said it was aiming to "raise awareness among the poor about men's health".

An official of the industry and commerce administration said the hospital had "not broken any law" by hanging underwear on its walls.