This year marks the eleventh time that the humanities research team has gone to Tibet for fieldwork. Over the past decade, the team has visited four cities and two districts in the Tibetan region. What started as a small group for social practice in Tibet has now evolved into a full-fledged humanities research team. A decade of growth has given them a clearer sense of purpose. This year’s activities are divided into three parts: scientific research, humanitarian care, and trekking around sacred mountains. For the humanitarian care aspect, they will be visiting Lhasa Caiquan for the ninth time, bringing knowledge and support to the children there. This year’s research site is located in Purang County, Ngari Prefecture — an area in the southwestern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, southern Ngari, situated in the valley on the southern side of the Himalayas and at the tri-border junction of China, India, and Nepal. Focusing on the culture and religious beliefs of Purang, the team has selected several research topics, including “border trade, agricultural industrialization, tourism waste management, and distinctive folk culture,” aiming to present an authentic picture of Purang to the outside world. In addition to previous activities, this year the team will include a trek around Mount Gang Rinpoche, the main peak of the Gangdise Mountains — the most famous sacred mountain in Tibet, standing at an altitude of 6,656 meters. The humanities research team consists of 19 members, with a male-to-female ratio of 6:13 and a veteran-to-newcomer ratio of nearly 1:2. Following their first meeting on April 25, the team was officially formed, beginning regular physical training, three research topic discussion sessions, and a two-day trial research trip in Jiuyuan, Mentougou. After three months of preparation, the members gradually bonded and grew. It is believed that during the twenty-some days in Tibet, they will work together in unity and mutual support to successfully complete their mission.
At the end of the ceremony, representatives from sponsors and the media took a group photo with the members of the mountaineering and research teams, marking the successful conclusion of the launch ceremony.
Thanks to the support of Fuzhou Yige Outdoor Products Co., Ltd., Kailas Professional Outdoor Brand, Shanrui Outdoor Lighting, Ailimite Fashion Outdoor, Zhongke Fu Nearby Logistics Center, Acromoon, Accurate Pulse Oximeter, Beijing Tianjian Hospital, BOSMA Binoculars, Garmont Hiking Boots, GoT Sports Glasses, Kelo Biotech, Fire-Maple Camping Gear, Wild Walker Outdoor Energy Bars, Beijing Youhuo Technology Investment Co., Ltd., Morning Glory Stationery, Kede Eyewear, Feiliniao Art Center, and National Geographic Magazine for supporting the activities of the Peak Cloud Society.
Thanks to the support and encouragement from all fellow clubs. Thank you to all individuals and organizations that have helped the Peak Cloud Society.
Finally, we wish all the 2015 Peak Cloud Society summer activities great success.