When you are a guy living in China, trying to quit smoking can be next to impossible. The social stigma that comes with cigarettes simply doesn't exist. You can smoke in most restaurants and bars, for instance. Cigarettes are obnoxiously cheap -- a little over a dollar a pack when it comes to many domestic brands. Even more, it's a fundamental part of the culture. Gifts of cigarettes are common at weddings -- from the bride and groom to their guests. Offering another guy a cigarette is a sign of respect, and it is very common to do so while trying to seal a business deal. Some Chinese friends I have actually carry two packs with them: a cheap one for personal use, and really expensive ones to give to others. So, in this instance, finding a museum in Changzhou dedicated to somebody's collection of tobacco related memorabilia is not so strange in relation to the local culture.
The Ge Xiaoxing Sino-Foreign Cigarette Packs and Appliance Museum is a small, tiny place. It's been around for a long time, and it is actually recognized and funded by the Chinese National Tourist Administration, who has offically given it an AA rating. Ratings of AAAAA is considered the highest, and it is reserved for true cultural treasures of places. I went in to have a look around. Here is what I saw.
