What is already known about this topic?
After the framework convention on tobacco control (FCTC) came into force, the health warnings on cigarette packaging in the mainland of China had been changed in three rounds. But the warning label is still only pure text and without descriptions of specific health consequences caused by tobacco use.
What is added by this report?
Although there were two rounds of changes from 2010 to 2018, current health warning labels did not work in increasing Chinese smokers' smoking cessation intention compared with the previous one. Large pictorial warning labels were more effective than the current health warning label in stimulating Chinese smoker's willingness to quit.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Pictorial health warnings could play a great role in promoting the realization of the tobacco control goals of Healthy China 2030. Pictorial health warnings should be printed on cigarette packs in the mainland of China as soon as possible.
Copyright and License information: Editorial Office of CCDCW, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2020.