Violators could face fines of 500 yuan and being put on a credit blacklist in Shanghai

The centuries-old tradition of Chinese ushering in the Lunar New Year by setting off firecrackers and fireworks may have come to an end in many cities with the enforcement of the strictest-ever bans in a bid to reduce pollution and improve public safety.

In Shanghai, lighting firecrackers and fireworks is prohibited around the clock anywhere within the outer ring road, according to a regulation that came into effect at the beginning of this year.