Cai Guoqiang stages a fireworks display in the Himalayas of Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on September 20, 2025. Photo: from web

Authorities from Xigaze, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region issued an investigation report on Wednesday on the investigation results of Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang's recent fireworks show in the Himalayas that sparked public backlash. The fireworks have impacted a grassland area of 30.06 hectares, its related operations caused damage to the soil and grass mat structure, and its instantaneous bright lights and loud noises caused disturbance to local wildlife, said the report.

The Cai Guoqiang Art Studio will be held legally accountable for environmental damage, and the outdoor brand Arc'teryx, as a sponsor of the event, will also bear corresponding legal responsibilities, the report said, adding that relevant department officials have also been placed under formal investigation, admonished and dismissed. 

On September 19, Cai Guoqiang Art Studio organized the "Rising Dragon" fireworks show at a mountain in Relong township, Gyangze county, which drew public outcry. Following the event, the Xigaze authorities attached great importance to the matter, establishing a multi-departmental investigation team and conducting a thorough investigation with the help of experts from professional institutions, reported Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday.

The report confirmed that the fireworks show took place in a mountainous area with elevations ranging from 4,670 to 5,020 meters, affecting a grassland area of 30.06 hectares. A total of 1,050 firework pots were used, with the display lasting approximately 52 seconds.

The city of Xigaze commissioned authoritative professional institutions and experts in the field of ecology to conduct a comprehensive assessment. They established 75 monitoring points for air, surface water and soil, 90 biodiversity monitoring points, and deployed 30 infrared cameras. 

Through on-site surveys, systematic sampling, data analyses and expert evaluation, local authorities have compiled an assessment report, which indicates that emergency monitoring results for surface water points all met the Class I water quality standards, and air monitoring points showed concentrations of key pollutants below the Class I limits of the air quality standard.

However, the report found that land leveling operations, human foot traffic and vehicle movement of the event have caused damage to the soil and grass mat structure, affecting an area of 15.29 acres.

Firework residues, plastic debris and other waste were not thoroughly cleaned up. What's more, the instantaneous bright lights and loud noises from the fireworks caused temporary disturbance to wildlife. 

"The incident constitutes a human-induced disturbance in a high-altitude ecologically sensitive area, with localized environmental impacts. While the short-term direct pollution and damage are limited, potential ecological risks require ongoing monitoring and follow-up," the report concluded.

The investigation confirmed that the Cai Guoqiang Art Studio engaged in activities during the fireworks show that involved entering ecologically fragile grasslands and causing damage, as well as failing to thoroughly clean up firework residue, powder, plastic debris, and other waste.

These actions are suspected of violating the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Ecological Protection Law and the Grassland Law among other relevant laws and regulations. Administrative authorities in Xigaze have initiated legal proceedings to address these violations.

Based on the investigation, Cai's studio will be held legally accountable for environmental damage compensation and ecological restoration responsibilities. Arc'teryx, as a sponsor of the event, will also bear corresponding legal responsibilities for environmental damage compensation and ecological restoration, according to the report. 

Multiple officials in Gyangze County have been held accountable, according to the statement, as the fireworks show was implemented "with the approval from the Gyangze County Party Committee and County Government without collective deliberation, constituting a violation of decision-making procedures." 

The County Party Committee, County Government, and relevant departments failed to adhere to the reporting system, lacked effective law enforcement supervision, and did not fulfill their duties in accordance with the law, it added.

The local discipline inspection department has initiated a formal investigation and removed Chen Wu, the County Party Secretary, from office. An investigation has also been launched against County Governor. 

Other relevant officials were also placed under investigation, received admonition, and were dismissed from their posts.

Previously, Cai's fireworks display raised serious concerns among the public about violating fundamental principles of ecological conservation. Many netizens criticized the event as absurd, questioning the decision to set off explosions in such an ecologically fragile region as the Himalayas. 

Cai's studio as well as Arc'teryx soon issued apologies after the event. Cai said, "my studio and I attach great importance to this matter and, with a sense of reverence, humbly accept all criticisms regarding the implementation of artistic creation on the snowy plateau. We sincerely thank everyone for their concern and reminders. We acknowledge that there were indeed many oversights in our considerations, and I deeply apologize for this."

Arc'teryx thanked the public for caring about the ecology of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. "We sincerely accept all criticism and suggestions, and we deeply respect your support," the brand said in a statement on its official Weibo and WeChat accounts.

Global Times