As China prepares for the Spring Festival and welcomes the Year of the Horse, long‑standing traditions face new realities. Fireworks, central to Chinese New Year celebrations for centuries, are increasingly restricted in major cities due to safety and environmental concerns. Nowhere is the tension between cultural heritage and regulation more visible than in Liuyang — the global center of fireworks manufacturing, home to hundreds of factories and thousands of workers.
While tightening rules have reshaped the domestic market, much of the industry has shifted toward exports. As some regions cautiously ease restrictions, many hope the festive "New Year flavor" can return without compromising safety.
This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.