CHINA

Arc’teryx Fireworks Show in Xizang Triggers Government Probe

Published: Sep. 26, 2025 2:09 a.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

The fireworks display, titled “Ascending Dragon,” lit up the night sky near Shigatse in Xizang on Sept. 19, 2025.

What was meant to be a dazzling collaboration between outdoor gear brand Arc’teryx and world-renowned Chinese pyrotechnics artist Cai Guoqiang has instead ignited one of China’s hottest cultural controversies of the year.

The two staged a 52-second fireworks spectacle along snowcapped Himalayan ridgelines in Xizang’s Shigatse region on Sept. 19, only to be met with an avalanche of online outrage and an official investigation now involving county-, municipal- and regional-level authorities.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Arc’teryx and Cai Guoqiang’s 52-second fireworks show in Xizang sparked major online backlash over environmental concerns and alleged hypocrisy.
Officials launched a multi-level investigation; Arc’teryx and Cai apologized amid ongoing criticism and social media debate.
Authorities claim the fireworks used “eco-friendly” materials outside protected areas, but critics remain unconvinced, citing leftover debris and conflicting brand values.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Arc'teryx: Arc'teryx, a Vancouver-born outdoor gear brand owned by China's Anta Sports Products Ltd., faced significant controversy following a fireworks display in Xizang. The event, part of their "Spirit Upward" campaign, ignited outrage over environmental concerns and was criticized as "greenwashing" by many. Arc'teryx issued an apology, stating the show was "out of line with Arc’teryx’s values," despite officials approving the event.

Anta Sports Products Ltd.: Anta Sports Products Ltd. (安踏体育用品有限公司) is a Chinese company that owns the outdoor gear brand Arc'teryx. The company acquired Arc'teryx, a brand known for its sustainability and environmental stewardship, which made the recent fireworks controversy particularly awkward for Anta.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

As early as 1989：: Cai Guoqiang envisioned setting off fireworks along the ridgeline of France’s Mont Sainte-Victoire at dusk as a tribute to Paul Cézanne, but the plan never materialized.

Sept. 19, 2025：: Arc’teryx and Cai Guoqiang staged a 52-second fireworks spectacle along the Himalayan ridgelines in Xizang’s Shigatse region.

After Sept. 19, 2025：: Video clips of the fireworks show went viral within hours, sparking debate and outrage online.

Sept. 21, 2025：: Arc’teryx and Cai Guoqiang issued public apologies in response to the backlash, and Shigatse’s municipal cyberspace office acknowledged the controversy and promised a full investigation.

Sept. 25, 2025：: The Xizang Autonomous Region’s environmental authority confirmed that a three-tier government probe was underway into the fireworks show.

AI generated, for reference only