A group of Chinese mountaineers have launched an exploring campaign called "seven plus two", aiming to challenge the highest peaks on seven continents and the two poles.

The seven-member team, including two women, will leave for Antarctica on December 1, and hope to make it across the ice field in two weeks.

During their 45-day journey, they will also try to climb the Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in the Antarctica.

Team leader, renowned Chinese climber Wang Yongfeng, appears confident.

"Although some of us are amateurs, they have years of experience in mountain climbing… We are sure that we can handle most of the difficulties", said Wang.

If the south-polar tour succeeds, Wang Yongfeng and his teammates, Liu Jian and Ci Luo will become the first three Chinese mountaineers to fulfill the "seven plus two" plan.

So far, only five people in the world have done so.

(Following are the list of the "Seven Summits")

Everest 8848m Nepal/Tibet, China
Aconcagua 6962m Argentina, South America
Denali (Mount McKinley) 6195m Alaska, North America
Kilimanjaro 5963m Tanzania, Africa
Elbrus 5633m Russia, Europe
Vinson Massif 4897m Ellsworth Range, Antarctica
Carstensz Pyramid 4884m Indonesia's (t/m) is Oceania's highest mountain.
or Mount Kosciuszko 2228m Australia 

(CRI November 4, 2005)