Shanghai’s Crackdown on “Wandering Smoke”

Shanghai is making significant strides in promoting healthier public spaces with its targeted efforts to reduce "wandering smoke," a form of secondhand smoke caused by individuals smoking while walking or cycling in crowded outdoor areas. 

This initiative, introduced in mid-March 2025, focuses on popular tourist destinations including the Bund, Nanjing Road pedestrian street, Xintiandi, and Lujiazui, where high foot traffic makes drifting smoke a common concern.

According to Chen De, Vice President of the Shanghai Smoking Control Association, "wandering smoke" poses health risks not only to smokers but also to bystanders, particularly in areas with dense pedestrian flow. 

Unlike indoor smoking, which is subject to stringent regulations, outdoor smoking has presented unique challenges due to its mobile nature.

Shanghai's approach combines education, enforcement, and collaboration between local authorities, venue operators, and businesses to create smoke-free environments. 

Strategies include installing no-smoking signs, removing outdoor ashtrays, deploying volunteers to guide smokers away from non-smoking areas, and using digital displays to raise public awareness. 

Popular spots such as The INLET cultural hub have implemented comprehensive systems involving property staff and volunteers to monitor compliance and encourage responsible behaviour.

The initiative has received overwhelming support from the public, with many praising Shanghai's efforts to create a cleaner, healthier environment. 

On China's social media platform Sina Weibo, users have expressed satisfaction with the measures, with comments such as "Shanghai, as a flagship city of China, is setting a great example." 

Others have called for the initiative to be expanded nationwide and to include family-friendly destinations like Shanghai Disney Resort, where drifting smoke is particularly concerning.

Surveys show that nearly 60 percent of Shanghai residents frequently encounter "wandering smoke," and over 90 percent express disapproval of it. 

While the city's adult smoking rate has declined to 19.2 percent, the exposure rate to secondhand smoke remains high at 47.6 percent, highlighting the ongoing need for effective solutions.

Learning from international practices, Shanghai's initiative draws inspiration from countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and regions such as Chinese Hong Kong and Chinese Macao, where outdoor smoking restrictions have successfully reduced public exposure to secondhand smoke. 

For instance, Hong Kong enforces fines for smoking in public areas like bus stops and beaches, while Macao has established smoke-free zones around transportation hubs.

The "Healthy China 2030" blueprint emphasises enhancing public health through improved smoking control measures, including education, taxation, and legal enforcement. 

By implementing innovative strategies to curb "wandering smoke," Shanghai is making meaningful progress toward providing cleaner, healthier public spaces for residents and visitors alike.

As Shanghai continues to refine its approach, its efforts may serve as a model for other cities aiming to balance public health priorities with the needs of all citizens.