Chongqing - Chen Min, a national-level mountaineer from China, has embarked on an extraordinary journey to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents and trek the last latitudes of the Arctic and Antarctic, making her the oldest Chinese woman to have completed or currently be working on such an ambitious project. On May 23, 2021, at 52, Chen made history by becoming the oldest Chinese woman to summit Mount Qomolangma (Everest) via its south slope. Now 55 years old, her story is a testament to courage, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for adventure.

Born on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, she grew up amidst the mountains and fields, later moving to the harsh environments of the Qinghai oilfields. "The environment refined my character of perseverance and love for the mountains," she recalls. Her experience working in the oilfields, carrying a camera from one oil well to another for seven years, instilled in her the resilience needed for mountaineering.

On May 23, 2021, at 8:45 am Nepal time (11:05 am Beijing time), Chen stood at the summit of Mount Qomolangma. "It was like sitting on my mother's lap," she reflects, describing her profound connection with the mountain. This achievement brought her immense joy and fueled her decision to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents and trek the final latitudes of the poles.

Since her triumph on Mount Qomolangma, Chen has continued her pursuit of mountaineering excellence. In December 2022, she summited Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. A year later, in December 2023, she achieved the summits of Antarctica's Vinson Massif and Aconcagua in Argentina, South America's highest peak. Her adventures also took her to the South Pole in Antarctica. Most recently, in June 2024, Chen summited Denali, North America's highest peak. She has accomplished six of the nine goals she set, with three remaining.

In June 2024, Chen Min summited Denali, North America's highest peak. (Photo/Chen Min)

The path to summiting the world's highest peaks is fraught with challenges. Climbing at such altitudes requires exceptional physical fitness, financial resources, and time. "Climbing a high-altitude mountain is like being startled by each step, knowing you can die at any time," Chen said. During her ascent of Everest, she faced life-threatening moments, including an incident at 8,700 meters where her oxygen mask was blocked by snow and ice. On her descent, a harrowing encounter with a deceased climber left a lasting impression.

Beyond the physical challenges, Chen also faced societal prejudices. "The pressure and prejudice from male climbers were harder than climbing the mountains themselves," she said. Yet, with each summit reached, she cries tears of joy, proving to herself and others the power of resilience and determination.

As she continues to tackle the remaining challenges on her path, Chen serves as an inspiration to climbers and adventurers worldwide, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving greatness in the world of mountaineering.

(Rao Dan, as an intern, also contributed to the report)