Spring Festival, the bond of Chinese

It is home to over 430 fireworks and firecracker enterprises with an annual output value exceeding 50 billion yuan ($6.82 billion).

Lou's company has three factories with more than 1,000 employees.

"Fireworks production enters the peak season in September, and 80 percent of consumption occurs during the Spring Festival period from Chinese New Year to Lantern Festival," he said.

The company has developed over 1,000 products, ranging from the most common traditional fireworks combinations to high-end family packages and premium gift sets, with prices ranging from less than 10 yuan to over 1,000 yuan.

"In China, fireworks are deeply ingrained in cultural traditions with different expressions in different cultural customs," said Tian Juan, the company's assistant general manager. "For example, in Fujian province, residents have customs like the God of Fortune parade.

Although traditional fireworks combinations still dominate the mainstream market during the holiday, the internet has massively impacted the fireworks industry. The younger generation finds new types of fireworks online, like those modeled after Gatling guns or fountains. Tian's company recently developed multiple products to capitalize on the popular jellyfish fireworks.

"The new generation products are safer and more environmentally friendly to avoid causing disturbances or harm," she added.

For 45-year-old Mao Tingmeng, having a reunion dinner while watching the Spring Festival Gala is the most grandiose holiday activity.

"Our community gathers multiple ethnic groups, including the Yao and Han," said Mao, a resident of Fuchuan Yao autonomous county, Hezhou city, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region."Because of ethnic unity and integration, many customs have blended well. Therefore, we can find resonance in the Spring Festival Gala."

Though the holiday is celebrated nationwide, customs vary from region to region. Chinese New Year's Eve dinners come in many forms.