2008 is the third year since Beijing lifted a 13-year ban on fireworks, which are traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits trying to come into the lunar new year. The Beijing government banned firecrackers in 1993 mainly due to safety and environmental problems, but lifted the ban in 2005. It is said the firecracker industry has been cleaned up and the lifting of the 13-year' ban will make the Chinese new year more festival, stimulating the local economy and colouring the community life.
The new regulations allow Beijing residents inside the fifth ring road to set off fireworks on the new year eve all night and for all other new year's 7-day from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. So Now you can set off firecrackers within designated times and places.
Fireworks is on sale in over 2,000 stores in Beijing. Most of the temporal shops are set up in the populated community areas. The fireworks makers and vendors are competing for fiery trade. The city authorities are very strict with the quality of the fireworks, warding off inferior fireworks posing a great threat to citizens' safety. Vendors trying to sell firecrackers in Beijing must pass a test to get safety qualification certificates from the Beijing Municipal Administration of Work Safety.
1. A Temporal Fireworks Store at My Community in Beijing
2. I'm choosing fireworks.
3. A designated place for firecrackers setting-off with a special sign
4. A warning signboard with Fire Extinguishers next to a designated place
5. Fireworks set off by our community people on the new year'eve
Picture taken in front of my apartment on the left side
Picture taken in front of my apartment on the left side
Picture taken in front of my apartment on the right side
6. A burned place by the firecrackers set off by some trouble makers who lighted the fireworks at the
non-designated area.
