My request to become familiar with the new anti-smoking regulations, concerning smoking at work and specifically at educational institutions, which have come into force throughout China,

Come into force does not necessarily result in enforcement, as you have discovered. Unlike you, there are foreigners here who appreciate this type of situation very much indeed! I even know of foreign teachers here who teach after drinking 4 big bottles of cheap Chinese beer. Some of their Chinese colleagues even teach after getting sloshed on Chinese liquor. That's China for you.