SHUNDE District of Foshan City, Guangdong Province, will allow its residents to set off fireworks and firecrackers within a limited time during festivals and holidays in 2025, according to a notice released by the district’s official website this week.

The announcement comes after Guangdong introduced its decades-long comparatively strict regulation on fireworks to curb noise, environmental pollution and fire incidents. The upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year starts Jan. 29.

People can set off fireworks during the Spring Festival period (from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of this year to the 15th day of the first lunar month next year), New Year’s Day, National Day, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Mid-Autumn Festival and Dragon Boat Festival in 2025, the notice said.

On Chinese New Year’s Eve (the last day of the lunar calendar year) and the first day of the lunar new year, residents will be allowed to set off fireworks all day to celebrate China’s biggest festival. On other days of the Spring Festival period, residents can use fireworks between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Fireworks and firecrackers are allowed on other statutory festivals and holidays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Guangzhou, the provincial capital, is one of the earliest cities in China to legislate on the sale and use of fireworks. According to the local regulations introduced by the city’s legislature in 1992 (which had already been repealed) and 2021, fireworks are strictly prohibited in eight urban districts.

For decades, Guangdong has debated whether fireworks should be banned, restricted, or liberated.

Peng Peng, executive president of the Guangdong Society of Reform, supported relaxing the ban on fireworks and firecrackers, saying the practice can help preserve traditional culture and add to the festive mood.

Some other cities in the country, including Zhengzhou, Puyang and Nanyang in Henan Province, Anshan in Liaoning Province, have also relaxed the firework ban. In Zhengzhou, a notice released by the local government in November allows retail stores to sell fireworks and firecrackers from Jan. 21 to Feb. 12, 2025. It also allows residents to set off fireworks within specific times and days during the Spring Festival.

(SD-Agencies)