A city in central China known as the world's leading fireworks hub is hoping its most famous industry can make even more of a bang in growing the local economy through attracting greater numbers of tourists and driving an explosion of exports.
The unmistakable sights and sounds of stunning fireworks displays are commonplace in Liuyang, a county-level city in central China's Hunan Province, which recently thrilled over 100,000 visitors with a stunning visual feast as over 8,500 fireworks lit up the night sky.
"The fireworks tonight were so beautiful, featuring designs of traditional Chinese motifs, flower baskets and lanterns, and more. It's a blessing for our country to continue thriving and prospering," said spectator Liu Jie.
To create a stunning fireworks show featuring thousands of different fireworks, a local team of experts spent over a month selecting the ideal launch location. They used computer programming and hand-drawn sketches to meticulously plan the display's visual layout, which also included associated audio elements to provide a perfect backdrop.
"We would use hand-drawn sketches, music editing, and computer programming to present a perfect music fireworks show," said Hu Dehua, a fireworks show technician.
In recent decades, as its fireworks production has evolved with advanced technology and increased automation, Liuyang has become the world's largest fireworks manufacturing base and research center.
In 2023, the total output value of the city's fireworks and firecrackers industry surpassed 50 billion yuan (over 7 billion U.S. dollars), providing jobs for over 300,000 people. Liuyang also produces 70 percent of the fireworks and firecrackers used in China.
A variety of dazzling and innovative fireworks shows has also boosted the city's cultural tourism. Liuyang's immersive fireworks performances each Saturday have attracted 4.5 million visitors and generated over 15 billion yuan (2.1 billion U.S. dollars) in consumer spending since last year.
"The city’s tertiary industry, especially the service sector, is thriving, with hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants seeing high demand on weekends. Now, it's become quite popular to visit Liuyang on weekends to enjoy fireworks, savor steamed dishes, and stay in guesthouses," said Zhang Mingfu, general secretary of Liuyang Fireworks Association.
Currently, fireworks made in China have been exported to more than 100 countries and regions, accounting for 70 percent of the global export share.
"According to our trade data from January to July this year, Liuyang's exports of fireworks and firecrackers to Africa have risen by 23 percent. Currently, Hunan's annual export volume of fireworks and firecrackers remains stable at around 4 billion yuan (almost 570 million U.S. dollars)," said Wang Peng, a local customs officer.
China's 'fireworks hub' looks to ignite local economy by tapping into tourist potential
