Controversy Over Mural of Renowned Chinese Writer Lu Xun Smoking: Criticism for "Encouraging Youth Smoking"

Lu Xun Memorial Hall Faces Debate Over Smoking Mural
Criticism and Support Emerge as Calls Grow to Replace or Preserve the Artwork

A mural depicting the renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun (1881-1936) smoking has sparked controversy within China.

On August 25 (local time), the Lu Xun Memorial Hall in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, stated, "There are simultaneous criticisms that the mural could negatively influence youth smoking, as well as opinions that it should be preserved as is."

The mural in question, completed in 2003, is installed at the entrance of the "Lu Xun Hometown" tourist site and depicts Lu Xun holding a smoking cigarette. This tourist attraction has been designated as a national 5A-level site, the highest grade for tourist destinations in China.

A mural at the "Lu Xun Hometown" tourist site located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China. Lu Xun Guli Co., Ltd. Social Media · Yonhap News

The controversy began when a netizen recently demanded the mural be replaced, arguing that "a depiction of Lu Xun smoking on the memorial hall wall could mislead young people." This netizen also claimed that some visitors, after seeing the mural, gathered outdoors to smoke, potentially harming others' health. The argument was reported by Chinese media and gained significant attention on social media platforms such as Weibo.

On the other hand, there are also many voices insisting that the mural should remain. The Lu Xun Memorial Hall revealed that it had received over 100 complaint calls from citizens opposing the removal of the mural. Lu Xun's eldest grandson also expressed a negative view in an interview with a local media outlet, stating, "Everyone has the right to express their opinion, but whether the mural should be altered is a different matter." Online, some commented, "This image is very typical and not so tempting that the public cannot tolerate it."

The Lu Xun Memorial Hall stated, "It is not easy to change an image that has already become familiar to many visitors," expressing its intention to keep the mural. They added, "Lu Xun is the founder of modern Chinese woodcut art, and the mural is depicted in the style of a woodcut," and further explained, "The wall is part of the 'Lu Xun Hometown,' which was completed 22 years ago."