China has set up its third Antarctic research station, also the country’s first on the continent’s inland, marking a significant step in polar exploration.

Photo taken on Jan. 21, 2009, shows China’s Zhongshan Station under construction. (Xinhua Photo)

He also expressed his appreciation of the scientists and extended Lunar New Year greetings to them.

The Kunlun station is designed to cover an area of 558.56 square meters. Its main construction, covering 236 square meters, will be completed by April, when the expedition team is expected to return.

The station will be used to study glaciology, astronomy, topology, geophysics, atmospheric science and space physics in the Antarctic inland.

It will also be used to explore deep glacier ice core and mountains under the Antarctic ice, and carry out astronomical and terrestrial magnetic observation. It will also research data collected from satellites.

Other studies will include the effects of extreme weather on human psychology and physiology, and medical supplies, equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Chinese researchers made their first trip to Dome A in January 2005. In January 2008, another Chinese Antarctic expedition went there to prepare for the construction of the Kunlun station.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet