Don't Expect a Fireworks Orgy This Spring Festival

Fireworks usage in Beijing is expected to decline once again this Spring Festival, a trend that shows a radical departure from just nine years ago, when it was fully expected that every resident of Beijing would be blowing sh*t up, living in what amounted to a war zone of fireworks that would last all night – if not all night and day for two weeks straight.

A combination of factors –  increased air pollution awareness, increased injuries, and a notorious 2009 fire that took down part of the new CCTV Tower complex –  has resulted in increasing regulations to restrict the practice within the city limits, and indications are that urban residents are growing weary of the centuries-old tradition.

Back in 2008, a giddy Beijing on the eve of hosting the Olympics was in full celebration mode, and the main topic of discussion around fireworks was the amazing variety on sale. Writer Cecily Huang detailed how that year featured "a broader variety of fireworks, with more than 80 new kinds of crackers to choose from" including the Olympic-themed Aoyun Beijing firework and other ear-popping selections.

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Meanwhile, from all of us here at the Beijinger and the True Run Media family, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a prosperous New Year! May this coming Year of the Fire Rooster bring you all the best that life has to offer. Gong xi fa cai!

Photos: China Smack, The Times

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