Dayao town in Liuyang, Hunan province, is the birthplace of firecrackers. Back in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), there were 100,000 people in town engaged in the fireworks business.

Now, Dayao is the biggest distribution center of raw materials for firecrackers in the world. The town provides more than 70 percent of the basic materials to the global firecracker market. A local fireworks festival in June attracted more than 200,000 tourists and brought in revenues of more than 20 million yuan ($3 million).

Now, in light of environmental considerations, Dayao is developing more Earth-friendly products.

A series of fireworks products known as urban fireworks was patented last year. They use fibers that can be recycled for tubes and cost 40 percent less than the traditional tube materials. They are biodegradable and, all in all, more eco-friendly.

Dayao is also innovating with 3D fireworks and specific social marketing strategies on different platforms.

Currently, there are more than 400 fireworks companies in Dayao, with total sales of 19.76 billion yuan. Fireworks from the town are exported to more than 100 countries including the United States, France and Germany.

Tang Ziye contributed to this story.

Dayao town in Liuyang, Hunan province, is the birthplace of firecrackers. A festival in June attracted more than 200,000 tourists and brought in revenues of more than 20 million yuan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]