On Dec 16, Shanxi lifted a blanket (全面的) ban on the manufacture (制造), sale, transport and use of fireworks across the province, which had been in effect since 2020. According to a notice for managing fireworks issued on Dec 21, each county (县) is allowed two storage sites at most, with strict safety regulations in place. Xinzhou, a city in the province, has announced specific areas and times, including Chinese New Year’s Eve, for people to set off fireworks. The move in Shanxi reflects the wish to celebrate traditions and marks a shift from a “one-size-fits-all” ban to a more scientifically managed approach, said the China Fireworks and Firecrackers Association in a statement.