The China (Liuyang) International Fireworks Cultural Festival in Liuyang City, Hunan Province, has become a grand annual event.
The craft of making fireworks in Liuyang City, Hunan Province, dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). More than 1,300 years ago, Li Tian from Dayao, Liuyang, invented firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and express people’s desire for peace and good luck. Because of his invention, the name Liuyang later became synonymous with fireworks.
For over a millennium, fireworks have been a major part of Chinese culture when celebrating festive events. They are also the lifeblood of Liuyang. Today, Liu-yang is the largest firework production and trade center in the world. In 1995, the city was awarded the title “Capital of Chinese Fireworks” by the central government. The International Fireworks Association, established in 2002, also has its headquarters in Liuyang. In 2006, the craftsmanship of Liuyang fireworks was added to the list of national-level intangible cultural heritage items.
Traditionally, the production of Liu-yang fireworks involved 72 steps and was completed entirely by mannual labor. As a result of advances in technology, the fireworks now have over 3,000 types in 13 categories. Safe and environmentally friendly products, such as smokeless fireworks and fireworks that can be used indoors and on public stages, are also manufactured here. Firework displays can now be operated by remote control rather than by people on-site, with the entire process controlled by computer algorithms.
At the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the stunning 29 “giant footprints” fireworks that “marched” across the sky along the Beijing Central Axis were made in Liuyang. During subsequent major events, such as the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 2019, the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China in 2021, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, Liuyang fireworks were used in the opening ceremony performances.
Liuyang is known internationally for producing stunning spectacles, creating a festive aura that transcends language and national boundaries. Its products have been exported to more than 100 countries and regions across the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond, becoming a choice for people when celebrating festive occasions. At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics too, Liuyang fireworks were used when the torchbearer lit up the cauldron to illuminate the Seine River.
