A visit to the remote Antarctic may become more than just a dream for Chinese tourists within a few years.

Zhang Zhanhai, deputy director of the Chinese Antarctic and Arctic Administration, said: "Currently, Chinese citizens cannot go to the Antarctic as they please. But I believe that, within three years, our government will seriously think about this issue. China is capable of supporting Antarctic travel."

More than 10,000 people from around the world visit the Antarctic each year. Between 1,000 and 2,000 of them visit China's Great Wall scientific research station there.

Travel agencies have discussed with the authorities the possibility of organized trips to the Antarctic. But a lack of relevant regulations prevented the discussions from yielding any results, said Jia Genzheng, an official with the State Oceanic Administration.

A draft regulation on activities in the Antarctic is expected to be submitted to the State Council next year. Once approved, the regulation will provide a basis for Antarctic tourism, said Zhang.

The most convenient way for Chinese travellers to reach the Antarctic is to fly via North America to Chile or Argentina and take a ship from there to their destination.

Over the past 20 years, China has sent 3,000 people in 18 exploratory teams to the Antarctic, including journalists and business sponsors. Each paid 80,000 yuan (US$9,665) for the trip. This kind of activity could resume in the future, said Jia.

( China Daily July 18, 2002 )