A survey of 847 residents aged 15 and older of East Beijing, People's Republic of China was conducted to determine smoking prevalence, patterns of smoking behavior and related attitudes (response rate = 99.6%). The overall age-adjusted smoking prevalence was 32.2% (56.6% among men and 11.4% among women). Smoking prevalence was highest in the age groups under 45 among males and in the age groups over 45 among females. The most commonly smoked cigarettes were domestically manufactured, unfiltered brands high in tar and nicotine content. Most respondents were aware of the deleterious effects of smoking, and the majority felt that current antismoking measures were effective in discouraging smoking. Health policy implications are discussed in the context of various social practices in China that encourage cigarette smoking.