The 6th Liuyang Fireworks Festival, hosted by the Liuyang Fireworks and Firecrackers Federation, was staged at the Liuyang Sky Theatre on the evening of October 25, 2025. Fireworks teams from six countries—the United States, Japan, Hungary, Belgium, Sweden, and Slovenia—competed in a display of creative ingenuity and technical prowess.

Fireworks display by the US team. (Photo/Yang Huafeng, Chinanews)

This fireworks show was held with the goal of becoming the fireworks world's "Oscar" and "World Cup." Following a global call for entries and subsequent screening process, six teams were ultimately selected to compete.

The Slovenian team, performing first, presented a groundbreaking immersive pyrotechnic narrative through four chapters, including "Soaring Dragon Wings: A Promise for the Future" and "Poetry of the Wildlands: The Eternal Emerald." The US team used light and shadow to construct "Bridges," symbolizing the celebration of love and cultural exchange. The Japanese team told a compelling story of igniting fireworks to dispel darkness.

The Swedish team simulated the aurora effect with fireworks, showcasing the dynamic aesthetics of the transition between day and night. The Hungarian team centered their creation around "The Silk Road," blending classic shell fireworks with modern Roman candles and single shots to take the audience on a musical and cultural journey spanning two nations. The Belgian team, who made their final appearance, reinterpreted the spiritual essence of the ancient Silk Road through fireworks art.

The judging panel for this year's festival included artists, a top-tier stage designer, music producers, and internet influencers, in addition to five professional fireworks industry experts. Comprehensive scores were assigned based on a multi-faceted assessment, including technical proficiency, artistic merit, and communication effectiveness. The Swedish team won first prize; the Japanese and Hungarian teams took second; and the Slovenian, American and Belgian teams received consolation prizes.

The Chinese team also presented a fireworks display that evening.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Yu Jiangjiang

Chinese source: Chinanews