English: As of January 2026, China’s countdown tradition has changed. Fireworks are banned in most major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou due to pollution and safety concerns. Hong Kong also cancelled its famous Victoria Harbour fireworks after a deadly fire in 2025. Instead, cities use high-tech alternatives: drone light shows, AR fireworks, LED building countdowns, and traditional drumming ceremonies. These create a festive atmosphere without smoke or danger.
中文： 截至 2026 年 1 月，中國的倒數傳統已經改變。由於污染與安全問題，北京、上海、廣州等大城市禁止煙火。香港也因 2025 年的致命火災取消了維多利亞港煙火。取而代之的是高科技替代方案：無人機燈光秀、AR 煙火、建築外牆 LED 倒數，以及傳統鼓樂儀式。這些方式在沒有煙霧或危險的情況下，仍能營造熱鬧氛圍。
Comprehension Questions | 理解問題
- Why are fireworks banned in many Chinese cities? 為什麼許多中國城市禁止煙火？
- What happened in Hong Kong that influenced the decision to cancel fireworks? 香港發生了什麼事件導致取消煙火？
- Name two high-tech alternatives to fireworks. 請舉出兩種煙火的高科技替代方案。
- What traditional activity replaced firecrackers at the Great Wall? 在長城，什麼傳統活動取代了鞭炮？
- What does “re nao” mean in English? 「熱鬧」在英文中是什麼意思？
Discussion Prompts | 討論題目
- Do you think drone shows are better than fireworks? Why? 你認為無人機表演比煙火更好嗎？為什麼？
- How can technology create festive atmospheres without pollution? 科技如何在沒有污染的情況下營造節日氛圍？
- Would you miss fireworks if they were banned in your city? 如果你的城市禁止煙火，你會懷念它嗎？
Practice Activity | 練習活動
👉 Fill in the blanks | 填空題- Fireworks are banned in __________, __________, and __________. 煙火在 __________、__________ 和 __________ 被禁止。
- Hong Kong cancelled fireworks after the __________ fire in 2025. 香港在 2025 年 __________ 火災後取消煙火。
- Drone light shows and __________ are new countdown alternatives. 無人機燈光秀和 __________ 是新的倒數替代方案。
