Antarctica: New destination for Chinese travelers

The China Association of Travel Services says the number of outbound tourists during the Chinese Spring Festival is expected to hit a record high.

And among the destinations, a trip to far-flung Antarctica has become a new trend for Chinese.

The most remote stretch of the wilderness of Antarctica has attracted a growing number of Chinese adventurers who are seeking an unconventional experience.

A trip to Antarctica isn't just about snapping pictures of penguins and icebergs, but also a stopover in the city of Ushuaia in Southern Argentina, as 90 percent of the ships to Antarctica depart from there.

To prepare for an influx of Chinese tourists during Spring Festival, local tourism departments in Ushuaia already have plans in place.

"If the entire train is full of Chinese tourists, we would broadcast the introduction of scenic spots in Chinese,” said Rocio, manager of “the end of world” station in Ushuaia. “If only a small portion of tourists on board are Chinese, we would give them these booklets in their language."

Tourism in Antarctica began in the late 1960s. Since then, the number of tourists has grown from a few hundred to more than 30,000 each year.

Statistics show nearly 5,300 Chinese tourists went to Antarctica from 2016 to 2017, accounting for 12 percent of the global market.

China was also the second largest country to send tourists there during this period.

With the visa-approval process for South American countries becoming simpler in recent years, more and more Chinese tourists can now easily experience the charm of Antarctica.

"It used to be very difficult to come here due to visa problems, and it's my biggest wish to come here,” said Zou Lu, a Chinese tourist. “ The scenery, the snow-covered mountains, the glaciers, and the lakes here are so pure. They all make the trip worthwhile. "

The Spring Festival coincides with the peak "summer" season in Antarctica. Other than the bone-chilling temperatures, the pure and untouched land is sure to promise a "Happy Chinese New Year" for many Chinese travelers.

(CGTN)