**Fireworks in Himalayas Spark Outrage; Artist Issues Apology**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 22, 2025, 06:09 PM*
Outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx has issued an apology following a fireworks display held in the Himalayas that sparked widespread criticism.
The brand had partnered with renowned artist Cai Guo-Qiang to stage the “Rising Dragon” fireworks show on a plateau approximately 5,500 meters above sea level in Shigatse, Tibet. The vibrant display featured colorful fireworks launched from a mountaintop, designed to resemble a dragon—a symbolic motif Cai famously employed during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
However, the event quickly drew backlash on Chinese social media over concerns about its environmental impact in such a fragile ecosystem.
**Official Response and Investigation**
In response to the public uproar, the local government of Shigatse launched an investigation into the event. The city’s Communist Party committee stated they are treating the matter with utmost seriousness and have formed an investigative team to look into the approval and execution of the stunt.
Arc’teryx, originally founded in Canada and now owned by an Anta Sports-led consortium since 2019, posted apologies on both Weibo and Instagram. The company acknowledged that the fireworks display conflicted with their commitment to protecting outdoor environments. They also promised to engage a third-party environmental organization to assess the ecological impact thoroughly.
**Artist Cai Guo-Qiang’s Apology**
Cai Guo-Qiang also publicly apologized on Douyin, China’s popular short-video platform, admitting that “several areas failed to be taken into account properly” during planning and execution.
He pledged full cooperation with authorities in evaluating the environmental consequences and committed to implementing stricter measures for future projects to minimize ecological disturbance.
**Continued Criticism and Social Media Backlash**
Despite the apologies, Chinese state media criticized Arc’teryx for inconsistent statements across different platforms concerning the involvement of third-party assessors.
Social media users expressed frustration not only at the brand but also demanded accountability from officials who approved the fireworks display. The Global Times highlighted calls from netizens urging stronger actions, including arresting those responsible for sanctioning the event.
One user posted, “Arrest all those who have passed the approval process,” while another highlighted the contradiction of using artistic expression to promote environmental awareness while simultaneously causing harm to nature.
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The controversy has ignited a broader conversation about corporate responsibility and environmental protection in China’s sensitive natural regions, underscoring the need for greater oversight and sustainable practices in such events.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/fireworks-in-himalayas-spark-outrage-forcing-outdoor-brand-to-apologize/story