Strolling down a busy street, waiting in a parking lot or standing at the entrance of a scenic spot, many have encountered the sharp, unwelcome sting of cigarette smoke hanging heavily in the air.

In March, Shanghai took steps to tackle this lingering issue by targeting "drifting smoke"—secondhand smoke in outdoor spaces, particularly in eight of the city's most iconic tourist hubs, including Wukang Road.

The initiative includes new smoke-control signs along pedestrian areas and volunteers gently reminding smokers to reconsider their habit. Rather than harsh enforcement, the city is betting on persuasion and public awareness to shift behavior.

This effort opens a new chapter in China's anti-smoking campaign. In 2011, the country implemented a nationwide indoor smoking ban in public spaces. Now, the focus is expanding outdoors.

Wang Bin (Tidenews.com.cn): Secondhand smoke is an invisible health hazard. Restricting smoking is not just about protecting public health—it's about fostering a more respectful and considerate society. When the harms of secondhand smoke are reduced, people don't just live healthier lives; they will enjoy public spaces with greater ease and freedom.

Shanghai has long led China's efforts in tobacco control. The success of its comprehensive indoor smoking control, implemented eight years ago, speaks for itself. Now, the city is taking the next logical step: shifting the focus to outdoor smoking, especially the problem of "drifting smoke."

This move reflects Shanghai's commitment to refining urban governance in ways that prioritize public wellbeing.

The goal is clear—to reinforce public etiquette and discourage behaviors that turn shared spaces into sources of secondhand smoke. Unlike heavy-handed bans, Shanghai's nuanced, case-by-case approach has proven more effective in gaining smokers' cooperation.

The public response is encouraging. Many netizens are calling for other cities to adopt similar measures. While people do have the freedom to smoke outdoors, that freedom should not come at the expense of others' health. True civilization balances personal liberties with collective responsibility—and no progressive society tolerates unrestricted smoking when it harms the majority. 

Shanghai's measured strategy is helping more and more smokers recognize the importance of restraint in public spaces—voluntarily putting out their cigarettes, not because they're forced to, but because they realize why it matters.

Duan Guanjing (Rednet.cn): If the management of drifting smoke relies on overly lenient approaches, it will be ineffective—especially when dealing with those who disregard the rules. Over time, such laxity not only undermines public policy authority but risks worsening the problem. In a modern, progressive society, mutual respect for personal space is non-negotiable.

Yet soft norms appealing to individual's voluntary adherence cannot rein in those who lack consideration for others, reducing anti-smoking efforts to mere symbolism.

Success requires tighter governance. This means mobilizing community social workers, volunteers and local leaders to collaborate on targeted enforcement in high-traffic zones, such as subway entrances, shopping districts, and near schools and hospitals.

Effective management of drifting smoke requires a transition from "gentle reminders" to "enforceable rules." Key steps include: designated, clearly marked smoking zones and penalties for smoking in non-designated areas. This can create a deterrent effect that encourages people to comply with the rules." BR

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

Comments to panxiaoqiao@cicgamericas.com