By analyzing and comparing the images of "the Twelve Beauties of Jinling" in the Qing Dynasty, the Republic of China and the modern times, We summarize the evolution rules of the images of "the Twelve Beauties of Jinling" in the original embroidery, picture chanting, cigarette labels, cigarette brand and modern cigarette packaging design. Through document analysis and case study, the images of "the Twelve Beauties of Jinling" in the three periods were compared and analyzed from four aspects:character faces, postures, movements, costumes and background, and the characteristics and evolution rules of the images of "the Twelve Beauties of Jinling" were sorted out. Taking the image of "the Twelve Beauties of Jinling" as the entry point, it is proposed that the modern cigarette packaging design should be based on loyalty to the original works, excavating the connotation of Chinese traditional culture, and carrying out innovative design in combination with modern aesthetics, so as to provide practical theoretical basis and support for the innovative design of the cigarette packaging of the Dream of Red Mansions series and avoid the cultural brand packaging design from being out of context and formalism. As a means of promotion and a carrier of cultural communication, packaging design can effectively improve the cultural value of cigarette brands, spread Chinese excellent traditional culture, and ultimately promote the benign development of traditional culture in the application of modern design.