It is reported that Beijing's 11-year ban on firecrackers will soon be lifted. Singapore's lifting of its 34-year ban on firecrackers and Shanghai, Qingdao and Hangzhou's repealing of their policies have inspired Beijing's leaders to rethink their ban. Currently, 105 of 282 Chinese cities that formerly banned firecrackers have reversed the laws.

Among those who advocate the lifting of the ban are both scholars and common citizenry. The former hold that China's traditional customs are disappearing, and the government should take measures to preserve them; the latter hold that Spring Festival is too dull without firecrackers.