Xiamen, China - January 29, 2025 Storyline: A cross-Strait fireworks display was held jointly in Xiamen, a coastal city in east China's Fujian Province, and Kinmen on Wednesday, also the first day of the Chinese New Year, as both sides celebrated the grand festival. Spring Festival, which marks the start of a new year, is the biggest annual holiday for the Chinese people. Starting at 20:00, nearly 50,000 colorful fireworks were launched simultaneously from both Xiamen and Kinmen, soaring into the sky and bursting in vibrant displays that illuminated the night. The 30-minute fireworks show attracted visitors to immerse themselves in the joyful festive atmosphere and extend New Year greetings to each together. The joint fireworks display, held on the first day of Chinese New Year each year since 1987, has become a cherished tradition, underscoring the deep bonds between the mainland and Taiwan. Xiamen and Kinmen, less than two kilometers apart at their closest point, have now become a hub for cross-Strait exchanges. In 2001, an initiative was launched to allow for direct trade, postal services, and transportation between the mainland and Kinmen and Matsu islands. In 2024, the Xiamen-Kinmen passenger ferry route under the initiative saw an 81 percent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic, with total inbound and outbound travelers exceeding 1 million - over 90 percent of whom were Taiwan residents. Shotlist: Xiamen City, Fujian Province, east China - Jan 29, 2025: 1. Various of fireworks lightening up sky; 2. Various of fireworks, visitors taking photos; 3. Various of fireworks exploding in sky; 4. Various of fireworks, visitors; 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Hong Tzu-i, Taiwan resident (ending with shot 6): "I think this year's fireworks show is grander than in previous years. It was truly fantastic. People from both sides of the Strait are one family. I wish everyone a happy New Year." 6. Various of fireworks exploding in sky; 7. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Chang Yu-chi, Taiwan resident: "The people on both sides of the Strait are members of the same family whose blood runs thicker than water. I feel extremely happy and moved to welcome the Chinese New Year with my friends from Xiamen." 8. Various of fireworks exploding in sky, visitors taking photos 9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Ye Mengli, Xiamen resident (starting with shot 8): "We will always be one family. I hope everyone will enjoy a happy, healthy, harmonious, and prosperous New Year." 10. Various of fireworks exploding in sky, visitors taking photos, watching fireworks show; 11. Fireworks exploding in sky. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]