Fireworks on sale today
From early this morning 638 stalls within Beijing's Fifth Ring Road have been selling fireworks. In good news for those of us who enjoying blowing things up, prices are cheaper this year and sellers have been warned not to charge above the recommended price printed on the box. This year also features a broader variety of fireworks, with more than 80 new kinds of crackers to choose from. Some of them, like the Aoyun Beijing, have an Olympic theme (see a video here) while most of the others also manage to include Beijing in the title somewhere. The more expensive of these new varieties have a range of 200m and boast extended plume time. The color range has also been extended with more pinks and purples available this year.
Fireworks start from RMB 1.5 for a tiny cracker (xiao guabian), the type you see all the little kids playing with, right on through to the huge 200+ kuai rockets (daxing zuhe yanhua).
With 236 sales points, the explosive Haidian district is home to the most firework stalls in the city, while Chaoyang comes in second with 197 stalls out there willing to satiate your gunpowder fix. Haidian residents looking to get their hands on some fireworks can try Peking University – by the southern student dormitory area. You can also head over to either Xueyuan Nanlu or the Tianwaitian Duck Restaurant on Fucheng Lu.
The north gate of Workers' Stadium is sure to be one of the most popular selling points in the whole city, but if the lines are too long, try the northern intersection of Tuanjie Hu.
Those living closer to the center of the city can buy fireworks at 91 Di’anmen Dongdajie or out the front of the Qinglan Plaza, just west of Nanxincang.
For more detailed information about where to purchase fireworks take a look at the map (above) or click on this link for exact street addresses of all the 24hr stalls.
Also, if you’re in need of a little extra spending money this Spring Festival, the authorities are offering a reward of RMB 20,000 to anyone who can offer them information on anyone selling illegal fireworks.
Finally, for those who’ve never been in Beijing, or any other Chinese city for that matter, over Spring Festival, we leave you with this Youtube clip of what to expect.
Links and Sources:
NetEase: Guide to buying fireworks in Beijing
NetEase: List of all the 24hr stalls selling fireworks (Chinese)
NetEase: Video of the Aoyun Beijing range of fireworks exploding
NetEase: 举报非法花炮今年最高可获2万元重奖
The Beijing News: 五环内今起开售烟花爆竹
NetEase: 春节期间 2196个销售点卖花炮
CCTV: 奥运场馆周边禁卖花炮 京销售网点减少31家
Beijing 2008: Selling Fireworks Image
Beijing Boyce: More Fireworks Anyone?
Youtube: Beijing Spring Festival fireworks