Liuyang fireworks

Fireworks are a specialty of Liuyang city in Hunan Province, People's Republic of China, with a history dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties.[1] Liuyang's production skills were selected into the first batch of China's national intangible cultural heritage representative projects list.[1]

Liyuang accounts for approximately 60% of the country's domestic firework production and 70% of its exports. In 2025, the industry reached an output value of roughly 50.58 billion Yuan (7.4 billion USD).[2]

Features

The production of Liuyang fireworks uses traditional handcraft techniques, utilizing locally sourced materials such as paper, saltpeter, sulfur, charcoal, and red and white clay. The process involves 12 steps and 72 procedures. With advancements in modern technology, new safe, eco-friendly products have been developed, including smokeless fireworks, cold light fireworks, daytime fireworks, and indoor or stage fireworks, achieving world-class standards. Additionally, ignition methods have evolved from traditional manual lighting to remote-controlled systems, with firing sequences fully managed by computer programming.[3]

History

According to the Chinese Industrial Gazetteer, firecrackers "originated in the Tang Dynasty, flourished in the Song Dynasty, and originated in Liuyang."[4] The original motive for the creation of fireworks was to ward off evil spirits. More than 1,300 years ago, Li Tian from Dayao, Liuyang (born on the 18th day of the 4th lunar month in 601, died on the 18th day of the 12th lunar month in 690), invented firecrackers on the 18th day of the 9th lunar month in 621. In Liuyang City, there are still traces of historical gunpowder research and development at the foot of a mountain at the banks of the Liuyang River preserved for future generations to worship.[5] It was said that he mixed charcoal, sulfur and saltpeter, compressed the mixture in an enclosure (a bamboo tube) and the mixture exploded when it was burned. Because of Li Tian's invention, Liuyang became synonymous with fireworks.[6]

During the Yongzheng reign of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Liuyang fireworks became an article of tribute to the royal families which gave an added impetus to the developing trade. Fireworks workshops boomed, until more than nine out of ten households were engaged in the trade. Fireworks began to be exported to more than 20 countries and regions.[7]

In 1933, "Shijixiang" won an award at the Chicago International Exposition for its "Deer Bamboo" brand fireworks.[7] In 1995, Liuyang City was named the "Hometown of Fireworks in China". In 2001, a local Fireworks Culture Research Association was established. In 2004, the Liuyang fireworks brand was registered as a well-known trademark by the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. On May 20, 2007, the traditional techniques of making Liuyang fireworks were included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage listings.[1][8]

Fireworks at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics

Liuyang is the world's most concentrated area of fireworks production. Liuyang fireworks were used at the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.[9]

2026 Liuyang fireworks factory explosion

Aftermath of the 2026 Liuyang fireworks factory explosion

On 4 May 2026, an explosion occurred at a fireworks factory operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in Guandu, Liuyang. At least 37 people were killed and 51 others were injured.[10][11][12]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Wang, Xijia (2014). 非物质文化遗产. 《长沙史话》. Social Sciences Academic Press. p. 31. ISBN 978-7-5097-6662-0.
  2. ↑ 刘小卓. "All Liuyang fireworks factories suspended after deadly blast". global.chinadaily.com.cn. Retrieved 2026-05-13.
  3. ↑ "【传统技艺】浏阳花炮_项目名录_长沙非物质文化遗产网". www.csfwzwhyc.com (in Chinese). Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  4. ↑ 中国实业志. Bureau of International Trade, Ministry of Industry (Republic of China). 1933.
  5. ↑ Hai, Wang, ed. (2021). 中国烟花爆竹年鉴. p. 113.
  6. ↑ 湖南文史资料 第39辑 (Cultural and historical Data Research Committee of Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. ed.). Changsha: Hunan Literature and History Magazine. 1990. pp. 204–205.
  7. 1 2 Xianshu, Chen (2001). 湘城文史丛谈 湘城访古录续编. China Literary Federation Press. pp. 202–209. ISBN 7-5059-3535-6.
  8. ↑ Zhao, Zuxiang (2007). 长沙年鉴. Beijing: Fangzhi Press. p. 440. ISBN 7-80238-135-5.
  9. ↑ "为什么浏阳能成为全球最大的烟花鞭炮生产基地？". www.360doc.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  10. ↑ "Blast at fireworks factory in China's Hunan kills 26, Xi calls for probe, state media says". Reuters. 5 May 2026. Archived from the original on 5 May 2026. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  11. ↑ Castillo, E. Eduardo; Leung, Kanis (5 May 2026). "An explosion at a fireworks plant in China kills at least 26 people and injures dozens of others". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 5 May 2026. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  12. ↑ Lee, Liz; Bu, Shi (8 May 2026). Coghill, Kim (ed.). "Death toll rises to 37 in China fireworks factory blast". Reuters. Retrieved 8 May 2026.
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