Morning at Ximu Co
This summer, the 2014 scientific expedition team of Peking University Mountaineering Club traveled to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World”—Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province. Overcoming numerous challenges, they ventured deep into the borderlands of the motherland. With themes focusing on Tibetan religion, culture, medicine, and urbanization, they conducted research near Jigzhi County in Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Their journey took them from Beijing to Xining, then to Zhiqu Songduo Town and Suohurima Township in Guoluo Autonomous Prefecture, followed by scientific explorations and high-altitude treks in the Nianbaoyuze area of Baiyu Township. They later made a long trek to the Geladandong Snow Mountain Base Camp in Golmud City to join forces with the Peking University Camel Mountaineering Team. Some members even reached the altitude of 5,681 meters at High Camp 1 (C1). The entire expedition lasted 29 days and covered over ten thousand li (approximately 5,000 kilometers), including visits to various government offices, monasteries and Buddhist colleges of different sects, and ordinary villagers’ homes. Detailed and patient surveys and interviews were conducted to gather information, which was eventually compiled into a comprehensive report.
The 2014 scientific expedition was fully funded and provided with apparel sponsorship by Camel (China) Outdoor Products Co., Ltd., the strategic partner of Peking University Mountaineering Club. Salewa, as the club’s leading technical equipment partner, supplied technical gear for the trekking activities. Gött Sports Eyewear sponsored snow goggles and sports glasses. Peking University Health Service Center offered free medical check-ups for the team members. Special thanks to all involved.
Guests attending the report session included Shi Changyi, Head of the Student Organizations Department of the Peking University Youth League Committee, and Qian Junwei, Director of the Mass Sports Teaching and Research Section of the Peking University Physical Education Teaching and Research Department, who is also the faculty advisor of Peking University Mountaineering Club. Numerous media representatives and sister clubs of the Mountaineering Club were also present.
Everyone attentively watching the scientific expedition video
The report session began with a short video of the expedition. Shi Changyi, Head of the Student Organizations Department of the Peking University Youth League Committee, extended congratulations on behalf of the Youth League Committee for the successful execution of this year’s scientific expedition. He praised the expedition team’s approach of “either the soul or the body is always on the road,” stepping out of textbooks, and expressed his hopes for the development of university clubs at Peking University. He also wished to see more clubs like the Mountaineering Club that can help students grow. Subsequently, Qian Junwei, Director of the Mass Sports Teaching and Research Section of the Peking University Physical Education Teaching and Research Department and faculty advisor of the Mountaineering Club, spoke. Drawing from his own experiences with mountaineering and scientific expeditions during his time in the Mountaineering Club, Teacher Qian affirmed the significance of this activity. Quoting Mr. Cai Yuanpei’s words “A sound personality begins with physical education,” he emphasized the importance of physical exercise. He also explained from a modern scientific perspective how physical activity greatly contributes to intellectual development and the cultivation of teamwork spirit. He encouraged students to balance knowledge acquisition with physical training and concluded by wishing the Mountaineering Club greater heights.
Photo of the expedition team members at the 4,500-meter pass of Nianbaoyuze
Next, Zhang Ruomeng, the leader of the expedition team, introduced and summarized the overall work and trekking process of the expedition, sharing her unique view that “there are infinite possibilities” in scientific exploration. She believes the meaning of the expedition varies for each individual, but the commonality lies in the fact that it plants a seed in everyone’s heart—seeds that will grow together with our dreams.Cao Zhenduo, the leader of the research team, presented the research topics covered during the expedition. Team members conducted approximately one week of household surveys in Jigzhi, Dari, and Baiyu areas of Guoluo Prefecture. They visited numerous Tibetan Buddhist temples and a large number of herding households, completing research on botany, Tibetan Buddhism, ecological conservation, and other subjects, gaining deeper insights into the local customs and culture of the Tibetan region.
Photo of the research achievement from the Nianbaoyuze ecological survey by the expedition team—“A Gathering of Flowers”
During the subsequent Q&A session, the three team leaders provided detailed answers to the audience’s enthusiastic questions.
The expedition team sings the team song in chorus
Finally, team members took turns introducing their teammates and sang the team song “A Rolling Stone” with deep emotion, demonstrating the strong camaraderie and cohesion of the Mountaineering Club.
The Peking University Mountaineering Club 2014 Camel Scientific Expedition Team’s “Dreaming Back to Nianbao—A Divine Ode to Guoluo” scientific expedition report session concluded successfully at 9:30 p.m.