Beijing banned firecrackers in 1993 due to safety and environmental concerns, but lifted the ban in 2005 amid public calls to restore the tradition.

Ma said flexible measures should be taken.

"For example, relevant departments can release a firework index based on air conditions during festivals," he said. "If the index shows hazy weather is likely to occur due to lack of air movement on a certain day, the fireworks should be banned or reduced on that day."

Zhang Chengdong, deputy director of Jiangsu Festivals and Events Association, said the tradition can be kept in rural areas and smaller cities, but should be strictly limited in large cities.

Wei Bo, a sales manager at Panda Fireworks in Beijing, said the company has been developing fireworks that emit less pollution in recent years, including fireworks with dynamite that produce fewer particles, and firecrackers wrapped in paper that can burn completely.

"But such fireworks and firecrackers only account for a small portion of our products," he said. "We dare not produce them in large quantities as we are worried they will not sell well because they are more expensive."

"Most consumers are price sensitive," he said.

Zhang, from Jiangsu Festivals and Events Association, said the government can encourage enterprises to develop more environmentally friendly firecrackers and fireworks.

"The government can also invest in projects to research and develop substitutes for fireworks and firecrackers, which cause no pollution but produce the same visual effects," he said.