In China, debate smoulders over beloved Chinese New Year fireworks tradition

Performers throw molten metal to create a fireworks diplay during the 'Dashuhua' traditional Chinese performance in Handan, in northern China's Hebei province on Feb 7. Photo: AFP

Sparklers, rockets and spinning sunflowers with flammable petals – the fireworks stores in China's Hangzhou are stuffed with treats for pyrotechnic-loving customers, who count themselves lucky to live somewhere they are allowed to set them off.

In the past, Chinese cities could sound like war zones in the weeks surrounding Lunar New Year, thanks to the centuries-old custom of lighting festive explosives to ward off evil spirits.