The Harbin municipal government released regulations on setting off firecrackers during Spring Festival on Jan 14. The regulation encouraged citizens to limit firecracker use.

Also, firecrackers will be restricted in highly polluted areas and shanty towns.

According to the regulation, firecrackers are forbidden within 50 meters of shanty towns; 30 meters of firewood; 100 meters of gas stations, refueling stations or chemical plants; and 20 meters of high-voltage power lines.

They are also forbidden in areas like cultural relic protection sites, stations, wharfs, airports, hospitals, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, universities, gerocomiums, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, stadiums, parks, crowded streets and squares, roofs, balconies, stairs and corridors.

Some kinds of firecrackers that may cause pollution are also restricted. The regulation advises people to never throw firecrackers at passengers, vehicles and buildings. Tying firecrackers onto buildings, trees and light poles is also strictly forbidden. Setting off firecrackers should not violate traffic rules.