Splendid isolation

People want to visit the poles because of a deeply held human yearning for nature and harmony, according to Yu Xueyong of Souluniq. "The poles are the world's last continents, and they are more or less unpolluted. They are sacred places in many people's hearts. People coming back from the trips usually have just two words to describe their feelings - 'purity' and 'awe'," he said.

Even though a year has elapsed since Bao Cheng took a trip to the Antarctic, it seems like yesterday. "I never tired of standing on the boat, watching the floating blocks of ice and their clear reflections in the water. When I think of that world, composed entirely of blue and white, it's beyond me to describe its charm," said Bao, owner of a home-decoration company in Beijing.

Penguins guarding their chicks. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

"When I was in the Antarctic, I was inspired by a kind of awe of nature. I think more wealthy people should purify their souls through a trip like that," he said.

"There's no mobile phone coverage at the South Pole, and when we were on the ship we were totally divorced from the outside world, including business, workloads, pressure and all of life's other cares. My friend told me that the nights he spent in Antarctica provided the smoothest and steadiest sleep he'd ever experienced," said Liu Wenrui.

In addition to the improvements in services and promotional activities, the attractions offered by the countries lying closest to the poles have also contributed to the rise in visitor numbers.

"Although polar travel only accounts for a very small share of the tourist market at present, it has immense potential," said Chen Jie.

"We also hope to use the trips to raise people's environmental awareness. We invite scientific researchers, polar and environmental experts to deliver onboard lectures," he said.

A mature industry

As the cost of polar travel comes more within the means of ordinary citizens, experts said the number of Chinese tourists is expected to hit a record next year.

"However, since polar travel was only introduced in China four to five years ago, many aspects still require improvement, compared with other countries where polar travel has been under development for half a century," admitted Souluniq's Yu.

He urged potential tourists to exercise caution in their choice of travel agency. In common with many developing industries, a lack of regulation and poor management means that Chinese polar tourism is in a phase of disorderly competition, and the levels of service and attention are inevitably variable.

Also, polar travel is still designated as "expeditionary", and concerns about visitor safety have led the government to discourage Chinese citizens from making trips to the regions.

However, it may be that some of the dangers are being overstated. In many countries, 85 percent of polar visitors are aged 65 or older. Visiting the poles during their summer seasons, when the temperature is 0 to 5 C, guarantees reasonably comfortable traveling conditions. Also, polar tourism is now a mature industry and so visitor safety can be guaranteed and the activities are not too taxing physically, said Yu.

"There are good sightseeing bases for both old and young. If the government is willing to change its attitude a little, the market will become more attractive," he said.

"However, difficulty in obtaining visas for embarkation countries is a barrier for individual polar visitors," he added.

"As China's economic power increases, the annual number of Chinese visitors to the poles is expected to surpass 2,000 within three to five years. Although the number of Chinese visiting the poles is still relatively small, in the long run, as incomes rise further, everyday people will become a major force," said Li of the China Association for Scientific Expedition.

Liu has visited many places home and abroad, but last year's visit to Antarctica ranks as his most memorable trip. His girlfriend said he's not a very romantic man, but when the two of them entered the mysterious and unpolluted Antarctic wastes, and Liu told her that it was an "advance honeymoon" she was moved to tears.

"Everyone should visit the poles at least once in their life. I wouldn't hesitate to visit again if I have the time and opportunity," said Liu.

Yang Wanli and Wu Wencong contributed to this story.

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