Monitoring index soars

Beijing's "fireworks index" reached its highest level on Sunday, one of the biggest nights for fireworks on the Chinese lunar calendar.

Lantern Festival marks the end of the 16-day holiday in which fireworks can be set off in the capital.

The Beijing Meteorological Bureau reported on its micro blog at 6 pm that the index was level 3, which means residents are advised to refrain from the traditional firework celebrations.