A recent fireworks display orchestrated by outdoor apparel brand Arc'teryx in the foothills of the Himalayas has sparked considerable controversy, leading to a public apology from the company and an official environmental investigation by Chinese authorities.
The event, organized with renowned Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang , attracted fierce backlash over potential ecological damage in the fragile Tibetan plateau region. This article delves into the details of the event, the ensuing criticism, and responses from
Arc'teryx and the involved parties.
The Fireworks Event and Its Context On September 19, 2025 , Arc'teryx , a Canadian brand now owned by China-based Anta Sports , collaborated with Cai Guo-Qiang , a celebrated pyrotechnic artist, to stage the “Rising Dragon” fireworks show on a Tibetan plateau near Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region .
The event featured a serpentine pattern of multi-colored fireworks launched from a mountain ridge over 5,000 meters above sea level. The spectacle was intended as a promotion of mountain culture and a display of artistic creativity.
Organizers stated that eco-friendly, biodegradable materials would be used, and measures such as relocating livestock and clearing debris had been implemented to minimize environmental impact. Cai Guo-Qiang’s team claimed these protocols were based on years of experience with large-scale spectacles…
