It really sucks that I will not be in Shanghai for Chinese New Year.  For those who haven’t experienced it, CNY in Shanghai is something that has to be seen to be believed.

On the eve of CNY, residents in neighbourhoods all over the city light off fireworks and firecrackers from the streets, alleyways, rooftops, and even their apartment complex balconies.  Districts often compete with each other for the loudest and most spectacular display. The end result is a light show beyond belief accompanied by a soundtrack to WWIII.

Beginning around midnight on CNY eve, the massive pyrotechnic shows begins with fireworks going off literally as far as the eye can see.  It’s not just a brief display either – it goes on hours.  Eventually it dies down, only to be started up again in the morning.  This goes on for about 2 weeks, but I recall last year hearing random fireworks going off for at least a month after the holidays (getting rid of leftovers perhaps?).

Last year, we enjoyed the show from my old apartment’s 18th floor balcony. The fireworks literally exploded in front of our faces as the debris ricocheted off the window.  A crack wasn’t completely closed and flaming debris actually made it inside.  My laundry nearly caught fire and for days the balcony smelled like sulfur and burnt cardboard.

The above video (not mine) can’t do it justice; imagine this everywhere.