Officials Fired, Studio Fined After Cai Guoqiang's Fireworks Show Damages Xizang Grassland

Several local top officials of Gyantse have been dismissed and the art studio of renowned artist Cai Guoqiang fined over ecological damage caused by a high-altitude fireworks show in the Himalayas, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Xigaze investigation team.

The display, titled "Rising Dragon," was staged on September 19 on a mountain in Gyantse, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, at an altitude of 4,670 to 5,020 meters. Authorities said 1,050 fireworks were set off over 52 seconds, affecting 30 hectares of grassland.

Trampling, flattening, and vehicle activity damaged about one hectare of soil and turf, while leftover firework debris and plastics were not fully cleared. The bright flashes and loud explosions were reported to have briefly disturbed local wildlife.

Based on the environmental assessment, Cai's studio has been ordered to compensate for ecological damage and carry out restoration work, while Arc'teryx, the outdoor brand that sponsored the project, is also held legally liable. Authorities in Xigaze, the second largest city in Xizang, said long-term monitoring and post-event evaluations will be conducted.

The investigation also found that county leaders had approved the fireworks display without proper procedures, citing failures in oversight and enforcement. Several senior local officials, including the county Party secretary and county head, have been placed under disciplinary investigation and removed from their posts.

Authorities pledged to minimize the incident's impact and strengthen environmental protection in the region.