A recent fireworks display in the Himalayas by renowned artist Cai Guo-Qiang, in collaboration with Canadian outdoor brand Arc’teryx, has sparked widespread criticism from climate activists and social media users. The display, titled “Rising Dragon,” took place on a Tibetan plateau at an altitude of approximately 5,500 meters in Shigatse. Videos of the colourful pyrotechnics quickly circulated online, drawing ire from environmentalists who argued that the stunt disregarded the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. In response, Arc’teryx and Cai Guo-Qiang issued public apologies, while authorities launched an investigation into the ecological impact and regulatory approval of the event.

Fireworks in the Himalayas: Art, marketing, and controversy

The “Rising Dragon” fireworks display was a collaboration between Cai Guo-Qiang, the acclaimed artist behind the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games pyrotechnics, and Arc’teryx, a Canadian outdoor apparel brand now owned by Chinese sports giant Anta Sports. The event, staged at a high-altitude Tibetan plateau, was intended as a visually striking artistic and marketing spectacle, symbolizing creativity and brand presence in remote and dramatic landscapes. Videos released online showed vibrant, multicolored fireworks forming a winding dragon across the mountain peaks. While designed to captivate audiences and highlight Arc’teryx’s adventurous brand ethos, the display quickly ignited environmental concerns, given the region’s fragile ecosystem and its sensitivity to human activity.

Arc’teryx and Cai Guo-Qiang respond to the controversy

Following mounting criticism, Arc’teryx apologised on social media, acknowledging that the event contradicted its commitment to outdoor conservation and responsible practices. The brand announced it would invite a third-party environmental organization to assess any ecological damage and implement corrective measures, emphasizing transparency and accountability in its future projects.Cai Guo-Qiang, known for his elaborate gunpowder artworks and pyrotechnics, issued a public apology on Chinese social media, admitting that several environmental considerations were overlooked. He expressed regret and vowed to cooperate fully with authorities’ investigation while committing to implement stricter safety and environmental measures in future projects.

Public backlash and media scrutiny

Despite issuing formal apologies, Arc’teryx and artist Cai Guo-Qiang continued to face sharp criticism from both the public and the media. Chinese state outlets, including the Global Times, scrutinized the brand for inconsistencies in its statements across different platforms, highlighting a perceived gap between its commitment to environmental responsibility and the actual execution of the fireworks display. Social media users on Weibo and Douyin called for accountability, not only from the brand and the artist but also from local officials who approved the event, arguing that there should be consequences for actions that risk damaging sensitive ecosystems.Environmentalists emphasized that the Himalayas, home to fragile flora and fauna and crucial water sources, are particularly vulnerable to human interference. Many commentators framed the display as a case study in the tension between corporate marketing ambitions and environmental stewardship, questioning whether extreme artistic stunts should ever be conducted in protected or remote natural areas. The debate extended beyond China, with global audiences engaging on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, reflecting a growing international awareness of the environmental responsibilities brands hold when executing high-visibility campaigns.