Posted 2017/2/10
One of China's most expensive and exquisite cigarette, Zhonghua, at 650 RMB (about $95.00) per carton made from flue-cured tobacco and winner of the National Quality Gold Medal award.
Although Hong Kong implemented a rather severe anti-smoking law effective January 1st, 2007, many mainland Chinese smoke freely in public places, which will either come as a highly appreciated relief if you are a smoker, or as a nightmare if you are a non-smoker. There is a growing concerted effort to eliminate cigarette smoking in public places, such as in hospitals and inside taxis and elevators, but enforcement of such laws varies considerably by province and city. One notable exception is in Beijing where they passed a rather strict public anti-smoking law in 1995 that is widely enforced.
In addition to the remarkable prevalence of cigarette smoking, cigarettes themselves have a rather strong social significance in China. Chinese men often offer cigarettes as a common form of greeting and introduction. It will not be uncommon for you to be sitting in a restaurant when, all of a sudden, a strange man approaches and presents his pack of cigarettes to you with one already protruding from the pack for your convenience. Many, if not most, government leaders smoke and, when at large gatherings or meetings, it is very common for the men to offer their colleagues a cigarette. Even if you don't smoke, it is suggested you gracefully accept the cigarette and place it in your front shirt pocket "for later" with a warm heartfelt "thank you."
As many Chinese men do use cigarettes in making introductions and for social networking, many will partially evaluate your economic worth and social status on the basis of the cost of the cigarettes you smoke in public. Cartons of cigarettes in China range in price from 35 to 800+ yuan ($5.11 to $117.00, respectively), and the same tobacco company often produces several editions of the same brand name that range considerably in price (identifiable on the basis of the color of the pack and whether it is a hard or soft pack, with the most expensive editions sold in soft packs). If you smoke Chinese cigarettes that cost less than eight yuan per pack, it is very likely someone (a student, a colleague, etc.) will suggest to you that a person in your position should be making more of a proper appearance in the type of cigarette he smokes.
