(April 21, 2025) – The 19th International Symposium on Fireworks (ISF) and the inaugural Hunan (Liling) Fireworks and Firecrackers Industry Expo officially kicked off this morning at the China Ceramic Valley International Convention and Exhibition Center with vibrant fireworks, thundering drums, and jubilant performances.
More than 600 representatives from government and enterprises, as well as industry experts from over 60 countries, gathered to witness this grand celebration of the global fireworks industry’s high-quality development. Among the distinguished attendees were Yi Xiangdong, Vice Mayor of Zhuzhou City; Deng Shanjun, Chairman of the International Symposium on Fireworks; Liu Jiayun, President of the China Fireworks and Firecrackers Association; Wang Libo, Member of the Standing Committee of the Zhuzhou Municipal People’s Congress and Secretary of the Liling Municipal Party Committee; Liu Xinhua, Deputy Secretary and Mayor of Liling; Yang Jian, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee; He Xiaoling, Director of the Standing Committee of the Municipal People’s Congress; and Liao Shengyun, Chairman of the CPPCC.
At 9:00 AM, the opening performance titled “Drums Shake Lujiang, Colors Illuminate Liling” brought the crowd to life. Four dazzling daytime fireworks shows, carefully choreographed to music and lighting, painted the sky with vivid themes: “Colorful Liling,” “Dream Weaving Rainbow,” “Fruitful Harvest,” and “Welcoming Guests on the Magpie Bridge.” The rooftop fireworks matrix by Nanfeng Fireworks and the “Five Blessings” firecrackers designed by Lai Jichang complemented each other, creating a multi-dimensional visual and auditory spectacle.
Vice Mayor Yi Xiangdong officially declared the opening of the 19th International Symposium on Fireworks and the first Hunan (Liling) Fireworks Industry Expo.
In his opening speech, ISF Chairman Deng Shanjun described the symposium as a celebration of science, art, and tradition, bringing together top talents in fireworks technology, safety, and cultural preservation. Over the coming days, the forum will focus on cutting-edge innovations, share best practices, and promote global cooperation to enhance safety and sustainability in the industry.
Wang Libo, Secretary of the Liling Municipal Party Committee, delivered a warm welcome and introduced Liling with great passion. He remarked that “Liling is a brilliant chapter written with history and revolution, a magnificent epic crafted with fireworks and clay, and a colorful painting outlined with nature and modernity.” The event gathers renowned experts and leading enterprises from the industry, offering a valuable platform for idea exchange, cooperation, and collaborative growth.
Coinciding with the forum, the first branded high-speed train themed ‘Millennium Porcelain Capital · Colorful Liling’ was launched today. Wang extended a heartfelt invitation to guests from all over the world to reunite in Liling this spring, explore industrial development, enjoy the scenery and cuisine, and create a bright future together. He emphasized Liling’s ongoing commitment to openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit, aiming to bring global excellence to Liling and showcase Liling’s brilliance to the world. The city strives to inject new momentum into cultural exchanges and contribute actively to the “Three Highs and Four New Goals” vision for building a manufacturing powerhouse and a happy Zhuzhou.
The 2025 Global Liling Fireworks Showcase became the highlight of the opening ceremony. In a 20-minute live performance, professional models strutted down the runway with uniquely designed artistic fireworks, synchronized with large-screen videos showing the actual ignition effects, vividly demonstrating Liling’s innovation and technological strength from concept to combustion.
A promotional video titled “A Thousand-Year Liling, Lighting Up the World” was also screened, presenting a panoramic transformation of Liling fireworks—from traditional craftsmanship to modern intelligent manufacturing—highlighting the city’s dedication to both heritage and innovation.
This year’s expo features four themed exhibition halls spanning 30,000 square meters, attracting nearly 300 companies from across the global fireworks supply chain. More than 20 events will be held throughout the expo, including international standards seminars, business matchmaking sessions, and intangible cultural heritage showcases, offering comprehensive and multi-dimensional networking opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike.
