Chinese “Mushroom” Cigarettes? Smoking Reishi Classic Blue and What They Really Are

Only in China would anyone think to blend traditional medicine aesthetics with everyday products. A ginseng tincture in cigarettes? Totally normal there. So why not mushrooms, too?

So, what exactly are these cigarettes, what do mushrooms have to do with them, and are these “classics” worth your time? I’ll walk you through it all in this review.

Why did I assume this brand has anything to do with mushrooms in the first place? Simple: “Reishi” is the common name of the Ganoderma lucidum mushroom, also known as Lingzhi. In traditional Chinese medicine it’s considered a tonic linked to vitality and longevity. Modern science hasn’t demonstrated proven health benefits, but that hasn’t stopped its cultural status.

That said, the cigarette story isn’t as literal. The full original name is: 林海灵芝蓝色经典 — transliterated Linhai Lingzhi Classic Blue. It roughly translates to “Forest Sea and Lingzhi,” a poetic label more than a list of ingredients. In Chinese branding, symbolism runs deep: here it conveys wishes of serenity and long life. In other words, Lingzhi is a symbol, not part of the tobacco blend.

Production of the brand dates back to 1973 at the Harbin Cigarette Factory. Today, Reishi is produced by Heilongjiang Tobacco. Unlike many Chinese lines with sprawling assortments, Reishi sticks to a tight lineup of variants — realistically eight or nine, depending on regional availability. In China, Reishi is positioned as a mass‑market, budget‑friendly brand. In the U.S., availability fluctuates and import pricing varies, but Classic Blue remains an accessible everyday pick where stocked. You’re unlikely to confuse it with other Reishi versions: this is the only one dressed in that sky‑blue livery.

Build and presentation

Despite the budget positioning, they don’t look cheap. The presentation is classic — even a bit European — without flashy design frills. Construction quality is respectable, too. The one‑piece acetate filter leans soft rather than firm, but the cigarette packing is nicely dense. There’s no filter‑tip perforation, even though this isn’t an ultra‑strong variant.

Blend, cut, and stated strength

The maker notes a base of local Virginia complemented by imported sun‑cured tobaccos, suggesting an American‑style blend with a Virginia tilt. There’s plenty of tobacco in the stick (standard King Size). Visually, the cut shows moderate variety with a base of yellow to dark‑yellow leaf fragments, some paler flecks (mostly rib), and minimal bright chips. Published yields are tar 9 mg and nicotine 0.8 mg, which promises decent body without veering into “bruiser” territory.

How it actually tastes

On the palate, this doesn’t come across as a straight‑up American blend — not even a pure Virginia‑forward profile. The smoke instantly recalled some well‑made European classics from the ’70s era. Reishi’s core emphasis is similar: a gentle herbal–fruity sweetness as a constant backdrop, with the Virginia likely leading the charge — a faintly earthy tone with a clear hay note — plus a light spice nuance.

It’s not a one‑to‑one match with those cigarettes of old, and Reishi is notably stronger and livelier. The draw isn’t “soft,” yet it isn’t harsh either. Think of them as decidedly bold cigarettes — no half‑measures — with a clean, tobacco‑first taste rather than sauce‑driven flavoring.

Bottom line

Reishi Classic Blue is a solid everyday option with straightforward, tobacco‑forward flavor, agreeable mid‑level strength, and a bouquet built on honest leaf. The name nods to Lingzhi as a symbol, not an ingredient, and there are no mushroom additives here. If you like a slightly rugged, clean smoke with a hint of herbal‑fruity sweetness in the background, this one earns a spot on your short list.

For adult consumers of legal age (21+). Availability and packaging may vary by market; U.S. import pricing may differ from pricing in China.