As the Lunar New Year approaches, Zhongshan recently revised and issued the "Zhongshan Fireworks and Firecrackers Safety Management Regulations", which will come into force on February 1, 2021, to strengthen the safety management of fireworks and firecrackers.
The Regulations stipulated some areas for fireworks and firecrackers to be prohibited, including Torch Development Zone, Tsuihang New District, Shiqi District, East District, West District, South District, Wuguishan District and Gangkou Town. Other towns and districts will be considered restricted release areas, while all cemeteries will continue to function as normal and not have the same regulations. Only fireworks and firecrackers with a high safety factor and little impact on environment are allowed to be set off in the restricted release areas in Zhongshan.
Fireworks and firecrackers can only be set off during the Lunar New Year's Eve and the first to seventh day of the first lunar month (all day long), and Lantern Festival, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Double Ninth Festival and Winter Solstice Festival (from 9: 00 to 20: 00 every day) in restricted release areas.
Except for the allowed times, if it is really necessary to set off firecrackers in rural areas within the restricted release areas for special events such as weddings, funerals, temple fairs and other activities, the relevant people may set off firecrackers after registering with the local village (community) committees. If it is really necessary for major festivals, celebrations, ceremonies and other activities in the forbidden areas, the approval of the local district office (administrative committee, town government) or Zhongshan People's Government should be obtained.
Some citizens believe that the Spring Festival atmosphere will decrease if fireworks and firecrackers are completely forbidden. Introducing the Regulations is a nice balancing act for this situation.