Explainer | What Is ‘Dragon Vein’ and Why China Artist, Top Brand Hit over Himalayas Fireworks

Explainer | What is ‘dragon vein’ and why China artist, top brand hit over Himalayas fireworks

A massive fireworks display put on by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang and the outdoor brand Arc’teryx at the foot of the Himalayas has sparked public outrage. “The rising dragon” art event was launched on September 19, at about 5,500 metres above sea level. The display saw fireworks erupt four times for 52 seconds in total, using 1,050 clusters of fireworks. Witnesses said the display twirled around the mountain and generated disturbing sounds and …

Chinese public outrage erupts over Arc’teryx and Cai Guo-Qiang’s fireworks in Tibet

Tsering Dhundup DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 2:  A high-altitude fireworks stunt by outdoor brand Arc’teryx and Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang on a mountain in Southern Tibet’s Shigatse last month has triggered widespread condemnation, with Chinese citizens leading an unprecedented backlash online. On September 19, 2025, Canadian outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx, in collaboration with Chinese pyrotechnic artist Cai Guo-Qiang, staged a promotional fireworks di…