A fireworks show staged by Canadian outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx in Tibet’s Himalayas has sparked public anger and prompted Chinese authorities to launch an investigation. The display, designed to resemble a dragon, took place on September 19 in Shigatse, a city on the Tibetan plateau at more than 5,000 meters above sea level.
Videos of the event showed bright fireworks bursting along mountain ridges. The spectacle, called “Rising Dragon,” was created by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, who previously designed the 2008 Beijing Olympics fireworks. Arc’teryx promoted the show as a tribute to mountain culture.
The campaign, however, drew immediate criticism on Chinese social media. Users questioned the environmental cost of staging fireworks in one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. Some said the event conflicted with Arc’teryx’s image as a brand that promotes conservation, while others called for a boycott of its products.
Local authorities in Shigatse confirmed they had opened an investigation. “The Shigatse party committee and government take the matter seriously and have set up an investigation team to send to the site immediately,” the committee said in a statement. Officials added that the outcome would be handled “in accordance with the law and regulations.”
What is Arc’teryx?
Arc’teryx was founded in Vancouver, Canada, in 1989 and has grown into a well-known maker of high-end outdoor clothing and mountaineering gear. The brand runs more than 150 stores around the world.
In 2019, Arc’teryx was acquired by Anta Sports, a Hong Kong-listed sportswear company. The Chinese parent has expanded Arc’teryx’s presence in Asia, especially in China, where its jackets and gear have become popular with middle-class consumers.
Arc’teryx often promotes its commitment to environmental values. In its apology, the company admitted the event had gone against its principles. “This event was in direct opposition to our commitment to outdoor spaces, who we are, and who we want to be for our people and our community,” Arc’teryx said in a statement.
Why the Himalayas matter
The Himalayas are home to a fragile ecosystem. Scientists often call the Tibetan plateau the “Third Pole” because of its glaciers and freshwater reserves. Experts warn that even small disturbances, such as smoke, noise, and chemical residue, can damage the environment and disturb wildlife.
Critics argued that fireworks in such a setting showed disregard for the mountains’ ecological and cultural significance. “Art for the earth should be about respecting nature and living things,” one widely shared post said. Another commenter wrote that the display “is not something that can be forgiven with a single apology.”
Cai Guo-Qiang also issued an apology. “My studio and I attach great importance to this and humbly accept all criticisms,” he said on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok. He pledged to cooperate with the investigation and “take practical action” to support recovery.
A local environmental official told The Beijing News that the event did not require approval because it used biodegradable materials and was staged outside a protected area. The official also said there was no visible damage so far. But many social media users questioned how the project was approved and demanded accountability.
Next steps
Arc’teryx said it would invite an independent environmental group to review the event and report findings. The company added it would take corrective measures if any harm was found.
Cai said he would also cooperate fully with the authorities. “We have always held a deep reverence for nature,” he said, promising stricter reviews for future projects.
Despite these statements, state-run Global Times noted that Arc’teryx had issued slightly different messages on Instagram and Weibo. Some commentators questioned whether the brand was trying to shift responsibility.
As of this week, more than 92 million people had read posts about the incident on Weibo. Shigatse officials said their investigation was continuing and findings would be made public once completed.
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