Chongqing - On October 26, in Papua Province, Indonesia, 55-year-old Chen Min from Chongqing summited Carstensz Pyramid, the highest peak in Oceania at 4,884 meters. With this achievement, she has successfully climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents, becoming the first person from Chongqing and the oldest woman in China to accomplish this feat.

On October 26, in Papua Province, Indonesia, 55-year-old Chen Min from Chongqing summited the Carstensz Pyramid, the highest peak in Oceania at 4,884 meters. (Photo/Chen Min)

Conquering the seven summits at 55

Chen often says, "Life is like climbing a mountain; what matters is not your current position but the direction you choose." 

The incredible landscapes Chen Min experienced along her climb, where majestic mountains meet beautiful morning skies, showcasing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. (Photo/Chen Min）

On May 23, 2021, she summited the south slope of Mount Everest (8,848 meters). She reached the highest peak in Africa, Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters), on December 31, 2022. On December 5, 2023, she completed the ascent of Vinson Massif (4,892 meters) in Antarctica and reached Aconcagua (6,962 meters), the highest peak in South America, on December 31. On June 9 this year, she summited Denali (6,194 meters) in North America; on August 9, she climbed Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters) in Europe. Last December 14, she trekked to the last latitude of Antarctica.

On December 14, 2023, she trekked to the last latitude of Antarctica. (Photo/Chen Min)

For most people, these peaks are just numbers, but for Chen, they represent over a decade of perseverance, with the sweat and tears only she truly understands. To build her endurance, Chen runs at least 200 kilometers every month and climbs stairs in Chongqing's 40-degree summer heat, carrying a 45-kilogram backpack from the basement to the 33rd floor five or six times in a row.

Quitting her job to chase her dream

Before dedicating herself to mountaineering, she worked at a state-owned enterprise with a lucrative income.

Chen's father, a veteran who participated in the Liberation War and other significant campaigns, moved to Qinghai Province after his retirement. Chen spent her childhood among the mountains, and her father's teachings instilled in her a resilient, fearless character and love for the mountains. 

After starting her career, she worked for seven years in media publicity at the Qinghai Oilfield, frequently interviewing oil workers in the high-altitude, low-oxygen environments of the Gobi Desert, closely intertwining her life with adventure. She has crossed the Lop Nor Desert three times, driven to Tibet five times, and hitchhiked alone for a week in Ali. During an oxygen-free climb of Mount Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters), she suffered severe altitude sickness, going two days and nights without water and returning from the summit with only "half a life" left, taking over a month to recover.

Despite once vowing never to climb again, her love for adventure and mountaineering persisted. Knowing what she wanted, she quit her high-paying job, retrained, and prepared for Everest, eventually realizing her dream in May 2021.

Mountains more challenging than Everest

After summiting Everest, Chen's family and friends thought she would take a break, but she quickly embarked on new challenges. She aimed for the "7+2" challenge, which targeted the highest peaks in seven continents and both poles. 

She faced life-and-death trials along the way. 

Chen Min embodies resilience and determination in her quest to conquer the world's highest peaks. (Photo/Chen Min)

While attempting to summit Denali, she encountered severe weather, presenting a formidable challenge. She and her team faced a blizzard during their first summit attempt, taking 12 hours to cover just 4 kilometers. At an altitude of 6,000 meters, severe hypothermia forced her to retreat. Finally, on June 9, after 20 hours of arduous climbing, she reached the summit.

While trekking to the South Pole, she endured temperatures of minus 30 to 40 degrees Celsius, suffering from frostbite. The most difficult part of each day was separating her lips upon waking, as they were stuck together due to frostbite and ulcers, causing excruciating pain.

Choosing the road less traveled

Through her climbing experiences, Chen developed a deep respect for nature and life. At 55, an age when many consider retirement, she chose a different path. She gave up a high-paying job and family time to fully commit to mountaineering. Despite enduring frostbite and rigorous training, she remains passionate about climbing, enjoying the unique scenery that challenges bring.

Chen Min's daily life photo. (Photo/Chen Min)

Chen believes that age is never an obstacle to achieving one's dreams. "If you want to do something, now is the best time."

For her, mountaineering is a lifelong passion. Despite the life-and-death risks, she is willing to give her all. The hardships and adventures have allowed her to see and experience things that many people never will. This love and perseverance have led her to walk a path few have taken.

(Wang Zhipeng, as an intern, also contributed to the report)