Journey Across Ten Thousand Miles, Exploring China
The second season of the mu-X Mu-X Joint Scientific Expedition with "Chinese National Geography" was officially launched in Beijing.
On December 28, Jiangxi Isuzu, in collaboration with "Chinese National Geography," held the "Journey Across Ten Thousand Miles, Exploring China" — 2018 Scientific Expedition Review and 2019 Second Season Launch Ceremony in Beijing. Attendees included Zhu Yi, General Manager of Jiangxi Isuzu Automobile Co., Ltd.; Cai HuaYe, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of "Chinese National Geography" Magazine; Liu Xiaohan, renowned scientist, researcher, and Deputy Director of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Research Institute at the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Yang Xin, President of the Green River Environmental Protection Promotion Association; and Li Xu, a well-known anthropologist and discoverer/namer of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. At the ceremony, both parties reviewed the experiences and achievements of the 2018 scientific expedition and officially launched the 2019 second-season joint expedition in the presence of media and guests.
Relive the Highlights of 2018: A Fruitful Scientific Expedition
During the 2018 model Mu-X Mu Youxia launch event in Lijiang in 2017, "Chinese National Geography" and Jiangxi Isuzu officially signed an agreement, making the Mu-X Mu Youxia the official vehicle for the 2018 joint scientific expedition.From April to November, the mu-X Mu You Xia accompanied "Chinese National Geography" on four routes: Southeast Tibet, the Three-River-Source area, the Arjin region, and the southern Gobi in Xinjiang, covering a legendary scientific expedition journey of over 10,000 kilometers.
The first stop, “Explore Glaciers, Honor Nature” — a glacial photography expedition in Southeast Tibet, lasted eight days with a journey of 2,300 kilometers. The scientific team captured up-close images of four glaciers — Midui, Laigu, Renlongba, and Dongqu — all located in the Nyingchi region of Tibet at an average altitude of 4,500 meters, accumulating a wealth of scientific imaging data. They also conducted a 10-year comparative imagery study on the Midui Glacier to verify its retreat over the past decade.
The second stop, “Seek Water Sources, Nurture Dreams” — an exploration of the uninhabited Three-River-Source area, covered a total distance of 2,645 kilometers. Over eight days, the team departed from Lhasa to investigate the Tongtian River, the Tuotuo River, and rafted through the first canyon of the Yangtze River, Yan Zhan Gua. Wildlife ecological surveys were completed in the Tongtian River Triangle and Yan Zhan Gua Canyon, and they successfully reached the source of the Yellow River, Yueguzongliequ. This expedition captured highland wildlife such as Tibetan wild asses, Tibetan gazelles, Tibetan antelopes, Himalayan marmots, and bar-headed geese. Among them, the first domestic photo record of a group of white-lipped deer crossing the river at Nuqu was documented.
The third stop, “Adventure into the Wilderness, Seek Wildlife” — an exploration of the uninhabited Arjin region, lasted nine days with a total journey of 2,700 kilometers. The team conducted wildlife surveys in the Arjin uninhabited area, using infrared cameras to document wildlife such as wild yaks, Tibetan gazelles, Tibetan wild asses, Tibetan foxes, and lammergeiers. They also crossed the Kuluk Lake Desert, the world’s highest-altitude (4,700m) desert, and captured unique geographical features of the Arjin region, such as karst cave formations in plateau rock and salt weathering phenomena on granite mountainsides near saline lakes.
The fourth stop, “Conquer the Gobi, Explore Ancient Routes” — a photography expedition in the southern Xinjiang Gobi Yardangs. The team departed from Urumqi, Xinjiang, and over six days traveled approximately 2,430 kilometers through the Nanhu Gobi in the Turpan-Hami Basin. They were the first to capture field images of colorful hills, ancient volcanic craters, and unique wind-eroded landforms in the southern Gobi. They also discovered and collected precious fossil specimens. During their field documentation of ancient Silk Road ruins, they found valuable prehistoric stone tools.
Embark on the 2019 Scientific Expedition: Traverse Four Regions to Discover Hidden Civilizations
Building on the rich achievements of the first-season scientific expedition in 2018, the second season is ready to unfold. At the ceremony, Zhu Yi, General Manager of Jiangxi Isuzu, and Cai HuaYe, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of "Chinese National Geography" Magazine, jointly announced the official launch of the 2019 second-season joint scientific expedition. In 2019, the mu-X Mu You Xia will once again join hands with "Chinese National Geography" to accompany the scientific team across four regions, explore hidden civilizations, and continue to provide reliable and robust support for the joint expedition.
In April, explore the Three Parallel Rivers region of the Hengduan Mountains and visit ethnic groups in the canyons; cross the Nujiang Grand Canyon. In June, traverse the Himalayas to seek the region’s primitive civilization. In August, investigate the Ali Plateau to uncover the origins of Tibetan civilization. In November, explore the Taklamakan Desert to visit the last desert tribes and seek pristine oases. Compared to the first season, the second season covers a greater time span, stretches across longer distances, and focuses not only on natural wonders but also delves into hidden civilizations, presenting a richer and more diverse scientific feast.
Upholding the Spirit of Exploration, Creating Splendid Moments Together on the Joint Expedition
In 2019, Jiangxi Isuzu will partner once again with "Chinese National Geography" to continue its scientific expedition journey. At the launch ceremony, Zhu Yi, General Manager of Jiangxi Isuzu Automobile Co., Ltd., stated: “The scientific expedition co-hosted with 'Chinese National Geography' embodies our corporate social responsibility of ‘popularizing science and committing to environmental protection.’ It has special significance and also encourages more off-road enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and self-drive tourists to step out of their comfort zones, measure the world with their wheels, and explore the unknown.” Kengo Inoue, Executive Vice President of Jiangxi Isuzu Automobile Co., Ltd., noted: As one of Isuzu’s three major production bases for pickups and SUVs in Asia, Jiangxi Isuzu will continue to introduce globally synchronized models, allowing Chinese consumers to experience Isuzu’s latest products and technologies.
Right: Zhu Yi, General Manager of Jiangxi Isuzu Automobile Co., Ltd. Middle: Cai HuaYe, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of "Chinese National Geography" Magazine
As the official vehicle for the joint scientific expedition, the mu-X Mu-Yu Xia faced numerous extreme challenges in 2018, escorting the scientific team throughout the journey.As Chen Wu, Vice General Manager of Jiangxi Isuzu and General Manager of Jiangxi Isuzu Sales Service Co., Ltd., said: “The 2018 model mu-X demonstrated satisfactory performance in off-road capability, power, reliability, and fuel efficiency across various complex terrains.Its title as a ‘scientific expedition-grade SUV’ is well-deserved.”
We honor every effort and pay tribute to every participant. The success of the 2018 scientific expedition would not have been possible without the meticulous planning and professional spirit of "Chinese National Geography," nor the strong support of Jiangxi Isuzu and the Mu-X Muyouxia.It is the result of the joint efforts of both partners. Li Shuankuo, President and Chief Editor of "Chinese National Geography" Magazine, said in his message for the joint expedition: “As the country’s economic strength grows and social culture and living standards improve, understanding natural and humanistic knowledge and caring for humanity and its overall living environment will increasingly become a focus for China’s increasingly affluent population. We will continue to work with Jiangxi Isuzu’s mu-X Muyouxia to lead the scientific team in measuring the magnificent landscapes with wheels and footsteps, and to revere the vast land of China with science and professionalism.” Cai Huaye, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of "Chinese National Geography" Magazine, who also participated in the 2018 Arjin uninhabited area expedition with Li Shuankuo, fondly recalled her revisit to Arjin, praised the reliable performance of the mu-X Muyouxia during the expedition, and looked forward to going further with Jiangxi Isuzu in 2019 to accomplish more meaningful scientific expeditions.
Li Shuankuo, President and Chief Editor of "Chinese National Geography" Magazine
The 2018 “Journey Across Ten Thousand Miles, Exploring China” joint scientific expedition between Jiangxi Isuzu’s mu-X Muyouxia and "Chinese National Geography" has successfully concluded.“Exploration never ends, and the journey continues.” Let’s look forward to the ultimate scientific expedition of the 2019 second season!