China opens its fifth Antarctic research station

China's fifth Chinese research outpost, Qinling Station, has opened in Antarctica. According to the Polar Research Institute of China, which was involved in its construction, the centre, located on Inexpressible Island in Terra Nova Bay, has a capacity for 80 people in summer and 30 people in winter.

The station covers 5,244 square metres and its exterior shape resembles the constellation of the Southern Cross, a unique design created in honour of Zheng He, the legendary admiral, navigator and diplomat of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

All major components were manufactured in China with the internals already installed and then transported to Unspeakable Island for assembly.

Engineers used lightweight and high-strength materials, making the station able to withstand temperatures as low as -6 C and a corrosive environment.

Construction began in December and was led by members of the 40th Chinese Antarctic Expedition, which left Shanghai in early November and arrived in Antarctica later that month.

The other four Chinese research stations in Antarctica are Changcheng, Zhongshan, Taishan and Kunlun.

The new station is the third Chinese research base in Antarctica capable of operating year-round, like Changcheng and Zhongshan, which were built in the late 1980s.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter on the completion of the building of the Qinling Station and its operation in Antarctica.

Currently, the Kunlun and Taishan stations operate in the summertime. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.