BEIJING, CHINA  -  Chinese capital, Beijing, has decided to open several of its once sealed-off prisons to regular public visits, as part of its efforts to ensure more transparency.

A second jail in the Chinese capital opened to the public Wednesday, following Beijing Women's Prison, which opened earlier this month to outside visitors.

Those older than 18 years-old may apply for a one-day visit to Beijing Prison, which  is located in the suburbs and home to nearly 2,000 male convicts sentenced to more than 15 years behind bars.

"Nearly 100 people visited the prison on the first opening day," said Sun Xibin, deputy head of the prison, adding that the first group was organized by the Chinese military.

The facilities opened to the public include the  living cells, parlors, psychological counseling centers, and the prison's factory. Visitors are also allowed to talk to inmates under the prison's supervision.

"A transparent approach under the public's supervision helps improve the quality of prison administration," Beijing Prisons Administration Bureau official Li Zhonglin said.

He said opening the prisons makes inmates feel less isolated from the outside world and  helps them better re-integrate into society after their release.