E-firecrackers popular in Shanghai as real ones banned

SHANGHAI, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- As Shanghai bans firecrackers at Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, electronic substitutes are an attractive alternative.

Electronic firecrackers sound like real ones and are regarded as environmental friendly with no smoke or residues. E-firecrackers are priced at between 20 to 40 U.S. dollars. Vendors sell several dozens each day.

"In general, people accept the price," said one shop owner in a busy city market.

In other areas of China people can still buy real firecrackers. In Beijing, sales of firecrackers began on Feb. 3, five days before the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, at more than 700 outlets, about one quarter less than last year. Most of the products are low-sulfur and low-smoke with little residue.

Spring Festival, which fell on Feb. 8 this year, is the most important occasion of family reunions in China.