'Hometown of fireworks' lights up the sky(3)

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As Spring Festival approaches, employees at his company have been busy keeping up with orders from different areas.

Fireworks are generally not used as much abroad as they are in China, and as the export process is complicated, Gu said the 700-plus products his company makes are sold in 26 provincial areas of China.

He added that many fireworks companies have "gone domestic-only" due to the growing market in China, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Fireworks are a big part of Chinese people's lives and are used for important occasions such as birthdays, weddings or funerals," he added.

"After the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in 2022, nearly all the fireworks in Liuyang sold out, because people needed to express their feelings and desire for happiness," Gu said.

While safety is the most important consideration for fireworks businesses, Gu's company also focuses on making its products more environmentally friendly, such as ensuring they leave no waste after being lit.