Shanghai unveiled an ambitious 2026 tobacco control plan, increasing enforcement of indoor smoking bans and discouraging smoking in outdoor public spaces like bus stops.
Health authorities in northern Hebei province have run a series of “100 people, 100 days” quit-smoking contests since 2021, with events held in several cities such as Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Tangshan and Handan.
Shijiazhuang’s 2026 contest offered more than just bragging rights. Launched in May, it offered successful quitters entry into a lucky draw, with the first prize worth 3,000 yuan (US$447).
“WHERE’S MY REWARD?”
Jilin’s quit-smoking competition sparked debate online over whether Chinese authorities should be doing more to curb smoking.
“Why not just raise the fines? They could bring in more revenue for the country,” said one user on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu.
China does not have a comprehensive nationwide ban on smoking in indoor public places, with rules varying across the country and enforcement often patchy. In major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, people caught smoking in prohibited areas can be fined up to 200 yuan.
“It’d be better to shut down the tobacco companies and stop sales altogether,” remarked another Xiaohongshu user.
Non-smokers wanted in on the action too.
“I’ve never smoked in my life,” quipped one Xiaohongshu user.
“Where’s my reward?”
