Wuhan bans fireworks

Authorities in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province on Monday called off a New Year fireworks show scheduled on Tuesday to avoid further dirtying the already smoggy air.

Authorities in Beijing said that fireworks will be canceled if serious air pollution is forecast for Spring Festival.

The firework fire storm last year in Beijing led to a surge in the PM2.5 reading to 500 micrograms per cubic meter on lunar new year's eve.

The Chinese have a tradition of celebrating lunar new year with fireworks and firecrackers, hoping the noise will fend off evil spirits and bad luck.