Objective: To explore the influencing factors for the smoking cessation attempts in male current smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in nine villages selected from three counties (Pingyin, Junan and Liangshan) of Shandong province in August, 2010 through household questionnaire survey in villagers aged ≥15 years to collect the information about current smokers demographic characteristics and smoking-related behaviors. A hurdle count data model was used to assess factors associated with the times of past smoking cessation attempts. Results: Among 1 798 male current smokers, 29.53% had at least one smoking cessation attempt. Smokers who were married (β=0.705, P=0.002), had high educational level (β=0.214, P=0.026) and had higher level of awareness of smoking risks (β=0.237, P=0.009) were more likely to have smoking cessation attempt. Young age at smoking initiation (β=-0.167, P=0.035) and higher level of awareness of smoking risks (β=0.146, P=0.020) were associated with increased smoking cessation attempts. Conclusions: Less male current smokers had smoking cessation attemps in rural area in Shandong. The factors influencing smoking cessation attempt varied. It is necessary to conduct targeted intervention according to the smokers' smoking cessation experience.