Chinese Authorities Probe Arc’teryx Fireworks Stunt Over Environmental Concerns
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Arc’teryx’s fireworks show, called “the rising dragon.” Photo: Video screenshot
Local authorities in China’s Xizang autonomous region are investigating a fireworks show sponsored by outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx, following public backlash over the event’s environmental and wildlife impact.
Early Sunday morning, the Shigatse city government said it had formed a team to investigate the incident and would handle it in accordance with laws and regulations.
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- Chinese authorities are investigating a controversial Arc’teryx-sponsored fireworks show in Xizang due to environmental concerns.
- Arc’teryx and artist Cai Guoqiang apologized, promising cooperation and an environmental assessment after public backlash.
- Experts criticized mitigation measures as ineffective for the ecologically fragile Qinghai-Xizang plateau, questioning claims of minimal impact.
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Who’s Who
- Arc'teryx
- 始祖鸟 (Arc'teryx) is an outdoor apparel brand owned by China's Anta Sports Products Ltd. The company faced public backlash for sponsoring a fireworks show, "the rising dragon," in China's Xizang autonomous region due to environmental concerns. Arc'teryx has since apologized, acknowledging the event's direct opposition to its commitment to outdoor spaces and pledging to cooperate with authorities, commission a third-party environmental assessment, and take remedial action.
- Anta Sports Products Ltd.
- Anta Sports Products Ltd. is a Chinese company that owns the outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx. Arc'teryx recently sponsored a fireworks display in China's Xizang autonomous region, drawing public criticism for its environmental impact on the ecologically fragile Qinghai-Xizang plateau. Both Anta Sports via Arc'teryx and the event designer apologized and are cooperating with an investigation into the incident.
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What Happened When
- Friday, September 19, 2025：
- A fireworks show called 'the rising dragon' took place in Gyangze county, Shigatse, sponsored by Arc’teryx and designed by Cai Guoqiang.
- Early Sunday morning, September 21, 2025：
- The Shigatse city government announced that it had formed a team to investigate the fireworks incident.
- Sunday, September 21, 2025：
- Arc’teryx and Cai Guoqiang issued public apologies and pledged to cooperate with authorities; Arc’teryx promised a third-party environmental assessment and remedial action.
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