After extensive observation on Qinghai-Tibet Highway and the unpopulated area in north Tibet through global positioning system, Chinese survey team members have entered the area of Mt. Qomolangma and started direct measurement of the altitude of the mountain.

An 18-member squad started on April 2 to advance toward Mt. Qomolangma through leveling survey in Zhaxizong Town of Dingri County in the natural reserve of Qomolangma.

Chen Yongjun, deputy team leader of the No.1 ground survey team of the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping, said that China has acquired the accurate altitude of Lazi County in Tibet Autonomous Region as against the leveling origin in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. The survey will start from Lazi and end at the peak of Qomolangma.

The team will approach to Qomolangma along four routes for around 500 kilometers' journey on foot. The number of measuring points may exceed 10, 000. According to the plan, the leveling survey must be completed by June 20. Currently as the Qomolangma Mount area has entered wind season, strong wind and low temperature add much difficulty to the survey team.

(People's Daily April 6, 2005)