A decades-old mural of Chinese literary icon Lu Xun holding a cigarette has sparked online debate — and memes — after an anti-smoking activist claimed the image encourages smoking and should be replaced with a clenched fist.

While the online complaint sparked hundreds of responses both supporting and opposing the idea, officials at the Lu Xun Memorial Hall, which manages the mural, said they have no plans to alter the image, citing strong public sentiment and the importance of preserving historical authenticity.

Lu Xun (1881–1936), born Zhou Shuren, is widely regarded as the father of modern Chinese literature. Writing in the early 20th century, he used sharp satire and experimental prose to challenge traditional norms and expose social injustice. His works, including “Diary of a Madman” and “The True Story of Ah Q,” remain required reading in Chinese schools today.

The mural at the center of the debate stands outside Lu Xun’s former residence in Shaoxing, a city in eastern Zhejiang province where the writer was born and spent his early years. Installed in 2003 as part of a broader cultural preservation project, the mural serves as the landmark entrance to a unified heritage site that includes the author’s ancestral home, childhood residence, and memorial hall.

In place for more than two decades, the wall is now a popular photo and check-in spot. Some visitors have even lit cigarettes while posing in front of it, sharing photos online with captions such as, “Traveled miles just to light one for Mr. Lu Xun.”

On Aug. 22, a user identified only as Ms. Sun, who described herself as an anti-smoking activist, submitted a suggestion through Zhejiang’s online government affairs platform, arguing that the mural “misleads young people” by showing Lu Xun smoking in public.

She claimed that the original artwork depicts the writer smoking privately in his study, but the mural removes that context, presenting the scene as if it were outdoors. “The original painting shows Brother Xun smoking indoors, not in a public space,” the user wrote, suggesting the image be altered to show him with a clenched fist instead of a cigarette.

The post later appeared on her Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, account and was picked up by a handful of local media outlets, sparking public debate on whether the mural promoted smoking or simply reflected historical reality. While the post is no longer publicly visible, it sparked memes online, with some edits replacing Lu Xun’s cigarette with fingers forming a heart.

While some supported her concerns, others reportedly contacted the memorial hall and local cultural authorities, urging them not to alter the image. They argued that the mural had long been accepted as part of Lu Xun’s legacy and that it should not be changed based on the objections of a single individual.

In response, the Shaoxing Lu Xun Memorial Hall issued a statement on Aug. 25 saying it had received more than 100 calls and messages through the city’s “12345 Mayor’s Hotline,” most urging the site to preserve the mural and “respect history.”

“The scenic wall has been part of Lu Xun’s hometown for 22 years,” the statement read. “It has become a landmark for visitors from China and abroad. We have always adhered to respecting Lu Xun, respecting history, and respecting art. We will not casually change this image.”

A memorial hall representative told Shanghai-based news outlet The Paper that the mural — created in the style of traditional Chinese printmaking — would remain untouched.

“Lu Xun’s smoking is a fact, part of his life. Why change it?” the official was quoted as saying, adding that while the museum had noted the public response online, it would not comment further, calling the opinions “free and voluntary.”

Lu Xun’s eldest grandson, Zhou Lingfei, said he respected differing opinions but saw no reason to alter the mural. “It’s fine to laugh it off. What matters is remembering and respecting history,” he said.

Editor: Apurva.

(Header image: Photos shared online with captions such as “Traveled miles just to light one for Mr. Lu Xun.” From Xiaohongshu)