Janice R. Andrews
Antarctica, January– Despite the challenging environmental conditions, the construction of China’s Qinling Station in Antarctica is moving forward swiftly. The construction team is making the most of the favorable summer weather to push ahead with essential infrastructure work for the station, which began operations in February 2024.
Environmental Hurdles in Antarctica
The construction team is contending with extreme challenges, including powerful katabatic winds, freezing temperatures, and high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Qinling Station, located in one of the coldest areas of Antarctica, sees summer temperatures rise only to around three degrees Celsius, much lower than China’s Zhongshan Station.
Zheng Di, a member of China’s 41st Antarctic Expedition and project manager with the China Railway Construction Group, stressed the importance of completing key installations during this period. “The cable tray is crucial for maintaining electricity, water, and wastewater systems, which will be needed for the first overwintering team in 2025,” he explained. Additionally, sustainable energy systems, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and hydrogen fuel cells, depend on these essential installations.
Milestones in the Expedition
The construction of Qinling Station is part of the broader mission of China’s 41st Antarctic Expedition, which launched on November 1, 2024. The mission, which involves the Xuelong and Xuelong 2 icebreakers and the Yong Sheng cargo vessel, focuses on climate change research, infrastructure development, and fostering international cooperation.
On December 25, the ships arrived at the station site, delivering necessary equipment and materials. Over 100 workers, including construction crews, scientists, and support staff, are now on-site, handling the extensive construction work, which spans over 10,000 square meters.
Wang Zhechao, leader of the Qinling Station team, acknowledged the difficulties of working in such harsh conditions. “Strong winds, snow, and freezing temperatures significantly limit our operations, making the task a real test for all involved,” he said.
Scientific Research and Global Collaboration
In addition to construction, the mission is focused on studying the effects of climate change on the Antarctic environment. The team is also working on enhancing global scientific collaboration to deepen understanding of the continent’s impact on the world’s climate.
Once fully operational, the Qinling Station will serve as a key base for ongoing research and environmental monitoring in Antarctica. It will play a vital role in China’s growing efforts in polar science.
Urgency of Construction
With only a small window for outdoor work during the summer, crews are racing against time to complete the necessary infrastructure before the harsh winter conditions arrive, which would make further progress nearly impossible.
As China’s presence in Antarctica expands, the Qinling Station marks a significant step in the country’s investment in polar research and its role in international scientific cooperation in one of the most remote and extreme regions on Earth.
