Chinese New Year is just around the corner, which means it’s time for the city to light up in a blaze of fireworks. If you’re sticking around this year and want to get in on all the action, we’ve compiled these FAQs about Chinese New Year fireworks and some top tips on how to stay safe when setting them off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people set off fireworks?
Chinese legends say that a monster (nianshou) emerges on New Year's, but it has an aversion to loud noises and flashing lights, causing locals to set off fireworks and firecrackers.

Is it legal?
Around Chinese New Year, it’s pretty much impossible to walk down the street without coming across a makeshift stall selling fireworks and firecrackers. Despite the government’s best-laid plans to ban the sale and use of these fiery bangers, festive spirit has prevailed and they are still legal. If you live in a compound, check for notices or ask a bao’an because some residential areas ban fireworks, but in practice most people just go for it, wherever they are. As long as you avoid setting them off around historic sites and government buildings, most places are fair game.

Where can I buy them?
When looking for fireworks, simply walk around local areas and look for the big red tents. You can also check out the massive area near International Wonderland (right across the street from the James Joyce and ask for baozhu (firecrackers) or yanhua (larger fireworks)–just don't use them while drinking baijiu. The good news for wannabe pyromaniacs is that fireworks are dirt cheap. You can pick up a box of a thousand crackers for around RMB40, while the large “light and run” boxes go from between RMB50 and RMB500.

How to set them off SAFELY

We’ve pulled these tips from Howcast’s video on setting off fireworks safely. Check it out now. You'll need a VPN to watch it, but if you don't have one we've pulled out the top tips for you to read over.

Step 1: Pick a safe spot
Pick a safe spot to set off your fireworks, meaning an open space with a flat, solid, level surface. It should be at least 30 feet away from people, homes, cars, and flammable materials like dry brush. Don’t set off fireworks in strong winds. Also, make sure you keep children and pets out of range at all times to protect them and their hearing—and to make sure animals don’t get scared and bolt.

Step 2: Light them from a distance
Keep at a safe distance when you light fireworks by using a butane stove lighter or extra long matches. Hold the lighter at arm’s length, and don’t hover over the device as you light it.

WARNING: Never set off fireworks in a container.

Step 3: Set off one at a time
Set off fireworks one at a time. Eye protection is strongly recommended.

Step 4: Stay away from duds
Don’t try to reignite a firework that doesn’t go off. Leave it alone for at least 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

TIP: Keep a hose, a bucket of water, or a fire extinguisher nearby in case you need to put out flames.

Step 5: Don’t throw fireworks
It's pretty simple: Never throw fireworks or direct them toward anyone. Don’t light them in your hand—and don’t carry them in your clothing.

Step 6: Know how to handle an emergency
If your clothing catches fire, drop to the floor and roll on the ground. If you get something in your eye, don’t touch, rub, or rinse it. Just head straight for the emergency room.

Step 7: Dispose of debris safely
When the fun is done, gather up all the firework debris and give it a good soaking before putting in a trash container.

Images by REUTERS/Jianan Yu sourced from The Big Picture via Bostom.com.