China’s 41st Antarctic Expedition Team arrives at Qinling Station

The first group of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team has arrived at Qinling Station in Antarctica, the country’s fifth research station on the continent.

The station, located on the Inexpressible Island in the Ross Sea, was officially inaugurated in February. Covering an area of 5,244 square meters, the station is in a shape resembling the Southern Cross constellation, a unique design to honor Zheng He, a legendary admiral, navigator and diplomat in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The first group of the team consists of 34 individuals with expertise in management, security, and construction. In the coming months, researchers will build the supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station, investigate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem, and conduct international research and logistics cooperation.