NEWS WRAP: Arc’teryx apologizes for controversial Himalaya fireworks show

The sportswear maker’s ‘Rising Dragon’ show in the world’s highest mountain range sparked ecological and cultural backlash, prompting apologies and an official probe

By Lee Shih Ta

A controversial fireworks show in Tibet’s Himalayan area has triggered a nationwide backlash over ecological damage and cultural insensitivity, prompting apologies from both the event’s creator and Canadian sponsor, outdoor brand Arc’teryx.

Controversy over the “Rising Dragon” show continued to mount online over the weekend, prompting both Arc’teryx and show creator Cai Guoxiang to issue apologies on Sunday, pledging to cooperate with investigations and take remedial measures. Local authorities in Shigatse, where the event took place, also announced the launch of a probe into the incident.

According to state-run Global Times, the fireworks performance was held on the evening of Sept. 20 along mountain ridges in Gyantse, at an average altitude of more than 4,600 meters. It consisted of three sequences of gunpowder blasts. Organizers had earlier said that the fireworks used “eco-friendly materials” and would be cleaned up afterward. However, once videos of the event appeared on social media, they quickly drew heated criticism.

Many critics argued that the so-called eco-friendly materials only meant “relatively less pollution,” rather than zero impact. They stressed that the ecosystem of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is extremely fragile, where recovery from even a tire track may require decades, making large-scale smoke and noise potentially harmful in the long term.

Some also noted that in local traditions, there is deep reverence for mountain deities and taboos against loud detonations, calling the fireworks performance an act of cultural arrogance. Meanwhile, experts warned that large-scale blasts could create shockwaves that might pose risks to glaciers already vulnerable to climate change and disturb plateau wildlife.

As the controversy spread quickly online, Arc’teryx released statements on its Chinese social media accounts on Sunday, thanking the public for their concern over the ecology of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The company said it “sincerely accepts all criticism and suggestions” and extended its “deepest apologies.” Arc’teryx pledged to invite third-party environmental organizations to conduct a comprehensive assessment and to adopt remedial measures based on the findings and community feedback. It also said it would accelerate existing public welfare and environmental programs in Tibet.

Cai also issued an apology through his studio’s WeChat account, admitting that there had been insufficient consideration in the artistic planning. He stated that he would approach the matter with reverence and “humbly accept all criticism.” Cai pledged to fully cooperate with third-party institutions and authorities to evaluate the potential environmental impact and said that if any damage is confirmed, full restoration measures would be implemented.

Arc’teryx was founded in Vancouver in 1991. In 2019, it was acquired, together with its parent company Amer Sports Inc. (AS.US), by Chinese sportswear giant Anta (2020.HK). With Anta’s support, Amer Sports was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2024.

In the first half of 2025, Amer Sports reported revenue of $2.71 billion, up 23.5% year-on-year, while its net profit jumped to $153 million from $5.1 million a year earlier. Revenue from the Greater China region reached $856 million during the period, up 42% year-on-year.

Anta’s stock opened lower on Monday, closing at HK$93.35 by the midday break, down 3.56%。

By Lee Shih Ta

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