Published : 2025-12-02
In the early hours of 2 December 1988 (Beijing Time), two Chinese members of the Sino-American joint mountaineering scientific expedition team successfully summitted Vinson Massif (also known as Mount Vinson), the highest peak in Antarctica.
Vinson Massif has an altitude of 4,892 metres. At the time, although it was the warm season, the temperature remained at around minus 40 degrees Celsius, and there were frequent howling gales. The difficulty of the ascent was comparable to that of Mount Everest.
This Sino-American joint mountaineering scientific expedition team was composed of six members.
Deputy leader Li Zhixin (李致新) and team member Wang Yongfeng (王勇峰) set out from Camp 3, and after conquering the second peak, proceeded towards the main peak.
Li Zhixin took only 7 hours and 2 minutes to reach the summit from Camp 3, setting a record for the fastest ascent of Vinson Massif.
Vinson Massif is located in western Antarctica and is the highest peak in Antarctica. Although Vinson Massif's altitude is not particularly high, it was the last of the Seven Summits to be climbed.
Vinson Massif's terrain is treacherous. The mountain is cloaked in snow and ice for most of the year, with treacherous access, earning it the name "the Death Zone".
Climbers who wish to reach the summit must possess sufficient experience to cope with extreme low temperatures, strong winds and high altitude.
