Shanghai expands ban on fireworks and firecrackers, buyers must register with real names

With the Lunar New Year approaching, many people have started to purchase fireworks for the celebration. However, Shanghai recently issued a notice expanding the ban on setting off fireworks and firecrackers, with the police increasing control and requiring buyers to register with their real names.

In recent days, districts in Shanghai including Qingpu, Minhang, Jiading, Songjiang, and Baoshan have successively issued notices for the Lunar New Year in 2025 prohibiting the setting off of fireworks and firecrackers in certain areas and locations.

These five districts clearly stated that parts of the areas outside the outer ring road are prohibited from setting off fireworks and firecrackers. At the same time, the five districts all specified that during heavy pollution days, setting off fireworks and firecrackers is strictly prohibited. Among them, Minhang, Jiading, Songjiang, and Baoshan districts specified that the Lunar New Year period in 2025 refers to January 28 to February 4 and February 12.

The notice also explicitly states that in Qingpu district, specific built-up areas such as Zhujiajiao Town, Baihe Town, Jinze Town, and Liantang Town prohibit the setting off of fireworks and firecrackers.

On January 23, fireworks and firecrackers for the Lunar New Year in 2025 officially went on sale in Shanghai. According to an UpNews report, around 8:30 am on January 23, at a fireworks and firecrackers sales point at No. 58 Yele Road, Yexie Town, Songjiang District, Shanghai, citizens lined up to make purchases. Mr. Yao, who was in line, said, “I have been buying fireworks and firecrackers for three consecutive years. Chinese New Year is approaching, and setting off fireworks is to create a festive atmosphere.”

This year, the ban on setting off fireworks in designated areas outside the outer ring road in Shanghai has expanded compared to previous years. At the only designated fireworks and firecrackers sales point in Jinshan District, Shanghai, citizens have been coming with their ID cards to make purchases. The Songjiang police stated that citizens must register with their real names to purchase fireworks and firecrackers.