Peking University's Mountain Eagle Society Holds 2016 Mount Zhomolhari Expedition Report Meeting

       On October 14, 2016, following the opening ceremony of Peking University's Second Outdoor Sports Culture Festival and the 2016 Mount Everest Expedition Report Meeting, the Mountain Eagle Society's Mount Zhomolhari Expedition Report Meeting was held at 6:30 pm in the teaching building.

       During the report meeting, from the establishment of the climbing project and team, pre-departure training preparations, the actual climbing process, to reflections in the present upon returning, attendees not only felt the indomitable spirit and courage of the Mountain Eagle Society, but also witnessed how, over the two months since the climb, these Peking University students had elevated their experiences to a spiritual level. Through interactive games with the audience, genuine camaraderie and shared growth were evident. They measured the earth with their footsteps and touched the heights of life with their passion. Attendees included Qian Junwei and Liu Bo, directors of the Mass Sports Office of Peking University’s Physical Education Teaching and Research Section and advisors to the Mountain Eagle Society, as well as representatives from sibling school clubs such as Tsinghua Mountain Wilderness Association, China Agricultural University Peak Cloud Society, Beihang Lingfeng Society, Peking University Cycling Association, Love Society, Skiing Association, and Hiking Enthusiasts Association.

       The event kicked off with a sharing session by Qian Junwei, advisor to the Mountain Eagle Society. From serving as an in-campus teaching assistant to becoming an associate professor today, he expressed that, above all, he is thankful—thankful again and again. Reflecting on the development of the Mountain Eagle Society since its founding, he noted that after accumulating experience from climbing over a dozen mountains, the society has now reached its current scale. Qian outlined six aspects demonstrating the society’s comprehensive development: organizational structure, competitive events, activities, academic research, and well-equipped training facilities. He emphasized that these six elements testify to the society’s maturity. Emotionally, he also shared how his initial nervousness before expeditions has given way to a sense of calm, expressing deep gratitude for the personal growth fostered by the Mountain Eagle Society. “Climbing is tough, but when you look back, the sweetest and toughest moments are intertwined. Fellow climbers become lifelong best friends. We climb not only to live up to the Party and the nation but also to our own expectations. Peking University has cultivated an outdoor culture of ‘bravely scaling new heights’ and ‘staying healthy and united outdoors.’ This owes much to the Mountain Eagle Society’s 27 years of promoting mountaineering and outdoor activities, which have now borne fruit on campus.”

The Event Kicks Off with a Sharing by Mountain Eagle Society Advisor Qian Junwei

       Since 2003, Peking University’s mountaineering team has focused on snow mountain training as a goal. Fourteen years later, the Mountain Eagle Society once again chose a 7,000-meter peak in the Himalayas as its target. Although the team ultimately abandoned the summit push due to local weather conditions, they successfully completed their planned snow mountain training regimen during the pre-climb and ascent phases, deepening their understanding of Himalayan glaciers. Most importantly, all team members returned safely to Lhasa.

       Zhao Wanrong, former president of the Mountain Eagle Society and leader of the climbing team, detailed the expedition’s preparatory phase—from team composition and pre-training to climbing plans and schedules—presenting an authentic account of the climbers’ daily training routines. Notably, the approval process for the snow mountain project involved receiving suggestions to switch peaks from senior alumnus Huang Nubo, the China Mountaineering Association, and the Tibet Mountaineering Association. After careful consideration involving senior members Sun Bin and Cao Jun, as well as consultations with the university’s Youth League Committee and Physical Education Department, Mount Zhomolhari was ultimately chosen. This highlights the rigorous evaluation and adjustments behind every snow mountain project. It also reflects how significant activities of the Mountain Eagle Society garner widespread attention and carry great responsibility, embarking on each journey with blessings and affirmation, soaring steadily despite lofty ambitions.

Climbing Captain Xia Fan explained the overall climbing conditions. Considering the characteristics of the peak and weather, climatic factors were a major influence on the climb. The team needed to employ a combination of route-setting and group travel techniques, along with traversing a sharp ridge, requiring solid ice and snow skills. High-altitude activity combined with prolonged physical exertion posed a significant test of endurance. Mount Zhomolhari first came to climbers’ attention in 2013, with limited recorded ascents and scarce data. Six years later, returning to climb in Tibet, unfamiliarity with the local climate led to the early termination of the climb. Though regrettable, Xia Fan emphasized that the core value of the Mountain Eagle Society lies in its legacy of spirit rather than merely reaching the summit. This expedition served as a meaningful embodiment of that spirit.

Climbing Captain Xia Fan Explains the Overall Climbing Situation

       An engaging interactive segment of the report meeting involved introducing the twelve climbers’ personalities and inviting the audience to play a guessing game for postcards. Each climber shared small anecdotes from the expedition, reconstructing the “crime scenes” on the spot, drawing bursts of laughter. This allowed the audience to vicariously experience the climbers’ journey. As a result, participants gained a closer and deeper appreciation for mountaineering—a sport that is both serious and brimming with potential joy.

       Before the end of the report meeting, a question was raised from the audience: When asked by three representatives—former society president and team leader Zhao Wanrong, current president Wei Wei, and climbing captain Xia Fan—“What motivated you to persevere?” the trio responded with composure, reflecting on their insights gained through the Mountain Eagle experience. In summary, their motivations fell into three categories: personal passion for mountaineering, the profound bonds of camaraderie within the society, and a sense of self-growth that honors one’s life journey. “Climbing is about the freedom found in the wilderness, a personal solitude, and a sweet memory to cherish in future work and life.” As the meeting concluded, the three representatives, speaking as veterans of the Mountain Eagle Society, ended on a sincere and uplifting note.

One of the Three Representatives – Former President and Team Leader Zhao Wanrong Answers the Question

       A mountain is a beautiful yet stern presence. The existence of the Mountain Eagle Society empowers Peking University students to embrace nature, conquer themselves, and uphold principles of fearlessness, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence—values that extend into their approach to life. Following the 2016 Mount Zhomolhari expedition, the next milestone is the 2018 Everest climbing plan. Echoing the words of veteran Mountain Eagle member Sun Bin: “People and societies are connected by major events. In the face of Peking University’s 120th anniversary, the 2018 Everest climb is a matter of spirit and faith—a significant event in the Mountain Eagle Society’s journey of ‘coming of age at 30.’ We must embrace it with a proactive, open-minded, and visionary attitude to truly foster growth.”