Many cities fogged up by fireworks(2)

Like her, many other residents are equally concerned, but in varying degrees.

Li Xiao'ou, 25, a Beijing resident, compromised by cutting down the time and amount spent on fireworks.

"I know we urgently need to protect the environment, but it's not appropriate to ban fireworks because they are so much a part of the festivities," he said. So Liu decided to spend only 100 yuan ($16) on fireworks this year.

Although many voiced their concern about the air pollution, many said they still support the traditional fireworks celebration during the festival.

"Some may complain about the noise, but fireworks are one of the symbols of Spring Festival, and they remind us that it's a new year," said Wu Jinghui, a resident of Shijiazhuang.

"A large part of pollutants comes from industrial pollution and vehicle emissions. Compared to these, the pollution from the fireworks is limited, and only for a short period," he said.

"The government needs to strengthen efforts to deal with the main sources instead of banning fireworks."

But almost everyone noticed that there has been fewer fireworks set off this year because of the higher awareness of damage to the environment.

A cleaner, surnamed Liu, said she has had less work this year clearing up the firework debris in Shijiazhuang.

"I used to work an hour earlier during the festival and spend the whole day clearing it up. I actually finished my work earlier on Sunday, because there was less waste on the streets." The 52-year-old cleaner was in charge of part of Jianshe Street, a main street in Shijiazhuang.

In Beijing, more than 1,586 metric tons of fireworks waste was removed from midnight on the eve to 9 am Sunday, about 155 tons less than last year, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of City Administration and Environment.

Many regional governments imposed measures to restrict the time and location of letting off fireworks this year.

The Hebei government shortened the time to three days, while the Beijing has encouraged residents to restrain themselves, in order to enjoy better air quality and blue skies.