Lifting fireworks bans: A balance of tradition, safety and governance

Editor's note: Wang Yan, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an associate research fellow of the Country and Area Studies Academy under the Beijing Foreign Studies University. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Like many cultures around the world, China associates fireworks with the spirit of celebration. Bursting into the night sky with light and sound, they tell stories of joy, celebration and remembrance. Recently, fireworks have been returning to everyday life following Shanxi Province’s decision to roll back its long-standing, stringent ban.

This policy shift has cast a welcome warmth into the depths of winter. As people expect moments of festive wonder, the fireworks market has also shown signs of revival, with rising demand injecting vitality into the Chinese economy. Notably, the impact of this decision extends far beyond provincial boundaries.

Honoring cultural roots

For generations, a sky lit up by fireworks has been inseparable from life’s most cherished moments. Historically, fireworks have been an integral part of major Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, symbolizing joy, renewal and the dispelling of misfortune. The use of fireworks and firecrackers is also quite prevalent in modern daily life. They are often set off during shop openings, wedding celebrations, and similar occasions in many regions. Their brief yet dazzling brilliance cuts through the darkness, igniting collective emotions of joy and hope.

As a shared ritual, fireworks provide an emotional release that digital alternatives struggle to replicate. They connect generations, strengthen communal bonds and reinforce a shared cultural identity. Fireworks are both a traditional cultural element and an emotional expression. With advancements in firework technology, environmentally friendly products have emerged that cause little to no pollution. It is entirely possible to preserve this cultural tradition while making it better suited to the needs of the times and society. By responding to these deep-rooted sentiments, the policy signals respect for the public emotional needs while also demonstrating cultural confidence, aligning governance with people’s everyday aspirations and traditions.

A shift toward refined governance

It’s reported that the original ban was introduced as part of a broader ecological protection campaign. With that campaign now concluded, the province has lifted the blanket ban, yet not without safeguards. Local governments retain the discretion to impose targeted restrictions, ensuring that festive celebrations do not come at the cost of public safety or environmental standards.

The adjustment forms part of a broader effort to repeal 124 related documents, signaling a more adaptive approach to governance in response to evolving economic and social conditions. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all mandates, policymakers have opted for a more nuanced system of "scientific regulation." This shift from an across-the-board ban to differentiated oversight shows a significant evolution in China’s governance model, embodying the principle of balancing deregulation with adequate supervision.

At its core lies the logic of refined governance, a key concept in modern administrative reform in China. It mirrors a broader shift in public administration toward fine-tuned, pragmatic policymaking that respects local realities while maintaining order. In this framework, the state's role is no longer that of a rigid, top-down enforcer, but rather that of an orchestrator that sets rules, provides platforms and coordinates cooperation among multiple stakeholders.

Balancing multiple public interests

The policy seeks to reconcile cultural tradition with public safety and environmental responsibility. Instead of permitting unrestricted fireworks use, it allows cities and counties to tailor rules suited to their specific circumstances.

This layered and decentralized model demonstrates how modern governance can accommodate diverse needs, honoring tradition without compromising risk management or green development goals. In doing so, it secures an equilibrium between economic vitality, cultural expression, social stability, public safety and environmental protection – a defining feature of governance in an increasingly complex society.

Localizing best practices

China's fireworks have long captivated international audiences, lighting up New Year celebrations in Germany and festivals across Southeast Asia. Many countries around the world have adopted flexible regulatory frameworks that permit fireworks in designated zones, within limited time windows, or through the use of eco-friendly products, to balance public enjoyment with safety and sustainability.

Shanxi's policy adjustment echoes this global trend, blending cultural inclusivity with adaptive governance. It allows celebration to thrive within defined boundaries that protect both people and the environment. It also highlights how cultural vitality and civic regulation can coexist through adaptable, people-centered policymaking.

Ultimately, Shanxi's decision reflects a thoughtful recalibration of China's approach to public governance, carefully balancing cultural heritage, public sentiment, safety considerations, and administrative innovation. It embodies a governing philosophy that is both responsive and responsible to social expectations.

By affirming cultural identity while embracing regulatory precision, the policy seeks harmony between tradition and modern governance. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how public policy can evolve to meet the layered demands of contemporary society – honoring the past, protecting the future and ensuring that cultural pride and people's well-being advance hand in hand.

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