Authorities in the Xizang Autonomous Region of the Chinese mainland have launched a formal probe after a high-altitude fireworks show went viral online.
The spectacle, dubbed "Ascending Dragon," lit up the night sky over Gyangze County at about 5,500 metres above sea level on Friday. A collaboration between outdoor sports brand Arc’teryx and renowned fireworks designer Cai Guoqiang, the event aimed to blend art and adventure against Himalayan vistas.
However, the display sparked a wave of online debate over environmental protection, from potential impacts on fragile mountain ecosystems to air quality concerns. In response, local officials assembled an investigation team and dispatched experts to the site for on-the-ground verification.
Both Arc’teryx and Cai’s studio issued public apologies on Weibo, acknowledging public worries and pledging cooperation with authorities. Follow-up actions will be determined based on the investigation’s findings and relevant regulations.
The episode highlights a growing global conversation around sustainability in large-scale art and marketing projects—especially in sensitive environments. For young global citizens and changemakers, it underscores the need to balance creative expression with environmental stewardship, no matter how remote the venue.
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Authorities launch probe after fireworks display in SW China's Xizang
cgtn.com
