DIY Olympic Fireworks

Remember those smiley faces and the controversial footprint fireworks that appeared as part of Cai Guoqiang's impressive pyrotechnic display at the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games? Well, this Spring Festival Beijing residents will have the chance to let off a few of their own. According to reports in today's Beijing News, not only will pyromaniacs across the city be able to let off Smiley Faces and Footprints to their hearts content, but they'll also be able to set off all the car alarms in the xiaoqu with the Blossoming Flower. Kids on the other hand are encouraged to play with a Kungfu Panda-inspired rocket. The fireworks will be available at 200 outlets around town in the lead-up to Spring Festival. Though those sold as part of the Bird’s Nest series will not as big as the ones used in the opening ceremony - they've been scaled down for use by individuals.

Fireworks usually go on sale about a week before the start of the Spring Festival. In 2006, Beijing residents were once again given permission to let off fireworks within the Fifth Ring Road (although in previous years many did so anyway) for the two week festival. The fireworks reach an air-splitting crescendo on Spring Festival Eve and on the last day of the holiday - Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie).

Finally, for those who’ve never been in Beijing, or any other Chinese city for that matter, over Spring Festival, we leave you with this Youtube clip of what to expect.

Links and Sources
The Beijing News: 奥运“笑脸”烟花年底上市
The Beijinger: Opening Ceremony Fireworks - Smiley faces in the sky
The Beijinger: Fireworks on sale today
The Beijinger: Pic of the Week: Fireworks at the Bird's Nest
The Beijinger: Where to watch the fireworks
The Beijinger: Video of Last Night's Fireworks

Boston.com: The 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony