This Day, That Year

Editor's note: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of New China.

On Dec 31, 1984, a foundation stone-laying ceremony was held for China's first Antarctic research base－the Great Wall station.

In February 1985, the station was built as seen in the item from China Daily.

Located on King George Island, it has a peak summer population reaching 80 and a winter population of about 40.

In 1989, Zhongshan station, the country's second base, was opened on Larsemann Hills in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica.

It can accommodate 25 people in winter and 60 in summer.

In 2009, China's first inland base, Kunlun station, was built on a site about 4,087 meters above sea level and 7.3 kilometers southwest of Dome A, an ice dome on the Antarctic Plateau.

Taishan summer field camp, the country's fourth Antarctic base, was built in 2014, at Princess Elizabeth Land, 2,621 meters above sea level with a population of up to 20.

The construction work for the fifth one at Victoria Land on the Ross Sea is underway during the ongoing 36th Antarctic expedition. It is expected to be put into service around 2022.

So far, the country has dispatched 36 Antarctic expeditions.

China launched its latest Antarctic expedition in October, with 413 scientists, researchers and support staff.

This voyage saw China's first domestically built research icebreaker, Xuelong 2, embarking on its maiden journey.

It is the country's second icebreaker after China purchased its first polar research icebreaker from Ukraine in 1993.

Besides the ship, China has enhanced its air logistical capacity.

The country has selected a location for its first airfield in Antarctica.

The airfield will be near the Zhongshan station and will be equipped with navigation equipment, refueling facilities and a waiting area.