Arc’teryx Issues Apology as Officials Probe Himalayan Fireworks Display
Chinese officials are investigating global mountaineering giant Arc’teryx following a fireworks display in the Himalayan region of Tibet.
Videos emerged from the promotional stunt, which took place on September 19, showing multicolored pyrotechnics erupting across foothills of the Tibetan Plateau.
The display was designed by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang and intended to resemble a dragon, but drew huge backlash for its potential impact on the delicate ecosystem.
Arc’teryx has since apologized and said it will work with external agencies to assess the event’s impact.
“The recent fireworks display on the Tibetan Plateau was out of line with Arc’teryx’s values,” a statement read.
“We heard your concerns, and we share them.
“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.
“We are deeply disappointed that this happened, and apologize, full stop.
“We’re addressing this directly with the local artist involved, our team in China, and will change the way we work to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
“Our expectation is that everything we do reflects our environmental ethos, and we have no tolerance for actions that do not align.
“We have already begun efforts to mitigate the environmental and social impacts of this event.
“We are grateful to our community for holding us accountable.”
Headquartered in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Arc’teryx is a hugely popular high-end outdoor clothing brand.
Launched in 1989, it now runs over 150 shops worldwide. Arc’teryx has changed hands several times, but was most recently acquired by Chinese conglomerate Anta Sports in 2019.
It partnered with pyrotechnics artist Cai, famed for overseeing the fireworks at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, to stage the daytime display named Rising Dragon.
The controversial showing was set at over 5,000 meters in Tibet’s Shigatse region — an area with immense cultural significance for Tibetan Buddhism and the gateway to Himalayan peaks like Everest.
It has been under the close control of China since being annexed in the 1950s, leaving many scratching their heads as to how the project was approved by top bosses at Arc’teryx.
Cai has also apologized for his part in the spectacle. According to Arc’teryx, the 67-year-old used entirely biodegradable materials.
Regardless, critics have said the mountains were too fragile for the explosions, adding that the color and smoke would have disrupted the ecosystem and wildlife.
“Please don’t frame this as just the ‘China team’s fault,” one commenter wrote on Instagram.
“Arc’teryx is one global brand — you are responsible for what your brand does in every region.
“This is not something that can be forgiven with a single apology post. Fireworks at 5,000m in the Tibetan Plateau threaten one of the most fragile ecosystems on earth.
“Recovery could take decades, even centuries.”
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