Over 40,000 fireworks lit up the skies between Xiamen on the Chinese mainland and Kinmen in the Taiwan region yesterday, marking a symbolic joint celebration of the Spring Festival. The synchronized 30-minute display, launched simultaneously from both sides of the Taiwan Strait at 8 p.m. on February 17, drew enthusiastic crowds celebrating the first day of the Year of the Horse.
First held in 1987, this annual tradition has evolved into one of Asia's most visually striking demonstrations of cultural kinship. Observers noted the timing holds particular significance in 2026, as it coincides with renewed discussions about cross-strait cultural exchanges.
"This isn't just about pyrotechnics," said Lin Wei, a Fujian-based cultural historian. "The shared lunar calendar, the identical festival traditions – these fireworks physically manifest the intangible bonds across the Strait."
The event comes amid increased people-to-people exchanges, with travel between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region reaching 85% of pre-2020 levels this festival season according to recent transport data.
