Liuyang Fireworks Break Boundaries and Evolve with Fresh Innovations

Over the past month, Liuyang fireworks have delivered one surprise after another.

First, a synchronized performance featuring fireworks precisely controlled by AI algorithms and drone formations shattered two Guinness World Records: “The world's largest drone formation carrying fireworks” and “The world's largest number of drones simultaneously launched by a single computer,” through millisecond-level aerial coordination. The creative “Tree of Life” display went viral across social media platforms, garnering retweets and praise from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Following closely, the 17th Liuyang Fireworks Festival commenced, elevating the “Liuyang fever” to its peak. Hundreds of thousands gathered along the Liuyang River to witness this sensory feast blending technology and art. On November 9th, the 15th National Games opened at Guangdong Olympic Sports Center, where Liuyang fireworks dazzled the Greater Bay Area once more.

Through these defining moments, a clear path of industrial upgrading emerges: Liuyang fireworks are leveraging technology as a fulcrum, transitioning from “selling products” to “building brands,” from “traditional manufacturing” to “cultural innovation,” and from “occasional brilliance” to “sustained global recognition.”

This transformation owes much to the unwavering support of the municipal Party committee and government for Liuyang's traditional pillar industry. Through strengthened policy guidance and consistent promotion of industrial transformation, Liuyang fireworks continually demonstrate enduring vitality with a youthful spirit and imaginative forms.

A Light-Year Promise: The Industrial Narrative of Liuyang's Fireworks Makers

A compelling theme is the soul of any festival.

The theme for this year's Fireworks Festival underwent multiple rounds of brainstorming by the directorial team during the planning phase, with several initial concepts being rejected. The reason? They were all too literal. That changed when the concept “A Light-Year Promise” emerged.

“We needed resonance, but more importantly, imagination,” stated Huang Cheng, Chief Director of the 17th Liuyang Fireworks Festival, Chairman of Hunan Fireworks Theater Co., Ltd., and pyrotechnic director. “The four characters ‘Light-Year Pact’ radiate a sense of technology and futurism, signifying boundless imaginative space—exactly what our team sought.”

Once the theme was set, the festival's creative vision ignited like fireworks, bursting into life instantly. The stage design, inspired by cosmic galaxies, employed holographic projection technology and LED screens to create a profound sense of vastness and timelessness. As audiences entered the Sky Theatre, they felt immersed in a cosmic expanse, surrounded by twinkling stars and ethereal nebulae, fully enveloped in the experience.

The opening fireworks show centered on a young boy's journey chasing light, skillfully weaving in the industrial narrative of Liuyang's fireworks artisans. From his initial chemical fascination with pyrotechnic colors, to mastering complex fireworks techniques and creative designs, to proactively engaging with global art forms through fireworks... Each stage embodies the wisdom and sweat of Liuyang's pyrotechnicians. They relentlessly explore new technologies and methods, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with modern science, enabling Liuyang fireworks to innovate through heritage and evolve through innovation.

“Ultimately, Liuyang's pyrotechnicians realized that the true essence driving this industry forward lies in the emotions and ‘love’ woven into its fabric,” " Huang Cheng reflected. It is precisely this passion for fireworks, this commitment to traditional culture, and this relentless pursuit of innovation that has allowed Liuyang fireworks to continue to shine brilliantly after more than 1,400 years of trials and tribulations, becoming a dazzling gem on the world stage of pyrotechnics.