Guangzhou plans 45-minute fireworks show for Chinese New Year

Guangzhou will ring in the Year of the Horse with a 45-minute fireworks display over the Pearl River in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, as the city brings back its Chinese New Year show at Bai'etan on Feb 17.

The display is scheduled to begin at 8 pm in the downtown river section and is expected to draw large crowds. It is designed to showcase Lingnan culture and create a festive atmosphere in the historic southern metropolis, according to Ke Xiandong, deputy director of the Guangzhou bureau of culture, broadcast, television and tourism.

Ke said the display aims to reflect the region's long history and cultural heritage while offering residents and visitors a visually immersive New Year experience.

More than 150,000 fireworks will be launched at high, medium, and low-altitudes, with nearly 2,000 additional high-altitude volleys added compared with last year. Organizers have introduced 75 new varieties of fireworks, expanding the color palette while continuing to use carbon-neutral, environmentally friendly products, Ke said.

The firing layout has also been upgraded. Four professional firing vessels and 10 floating platforms will be deployed on the Pearl River, an increase of one vessel and two platforms from last year. The visual span has been extended from 650 meters to 800 meters, with fireworks reaching heights of up to 225 meters, improving visibility for audiences viewing the show from farther distances, Ke said.

The fireworks display is a centerpiece of the city's "Celebrate Chinese New Year in Guangzhou, Admire Flowers in the City of Flowers" series of events. Other holiday activities include flower market tours, Spring festival lantern show, scenic spots, and samplings of Lingnan cuisine.

To ensure safety and orderly crowd management, about 180,000 viewing spots will be available across 17 designated areas along the Pearl River in Liwan, Haizhu, and Yuexiu districts. Access will be allocated through a reservation and lottery system. The reservation period runs from 2 pm Sunday through Tuesday, with lottery results to be announced next Thursday, Ke said.