The idea of reintroducing lotteries interested Cui the most and he launched a feasibility study. Although at that time the country had already thrown its doors open to Western practices and new ideas, lotteries remained a sensitive topic. Any form of gambling could meet with stiff resistance from conservative government officials and even the public.

But the financial difficulties in pushing the country's fledgling social welfare undertaking forced top decision-makers to give the nod. In 1985, China had only 400 million yuan for social welfare while there were 150 million people who needed financial relief.

On December 20, 1986, the State Council "basically" approved a plan proposed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs to introduce lotteries. To counter possible opposition from the public, the Cabinet stipulated that the money raised be used only for social welfare.

In July 1987, Cui suggested Hebei and Zhejiang provinces, and Shanghai and Tianjin municipalities issue lotteries as part of a nationwide pilot project.

Shijiazhuang, capital of Hebei, took the initiative by issuing the first lottery tickets in the country since 1949 on July 26, 1987.