Explorers cross "no-man's land" for the first time

Exploration team member observes fossil of ancient life at the bank of Heishi River, Oct. 11, 2005. After 41 days' hardship, a scientific exploration team of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) arrived in Mangya town in Haixi Mongolian-Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province on Oct. 30, realizing mankind's first cross through the core area of Hoh Xil (Kekexili).

The exploration team arrives in the "no-man's land" in north Tibet, Oct. 14, 2005.

Ding Lin (L), head of the exploration team, and Lai Qingzhou select black volcanic rocks and take note, Oct. 4, 2005.

A team member holds some rare plant that has just been dug out, Oct. 8, 2005. The plant is over 100 years old, and 25-30kg in weight.

Exploration team members judge the quality of agate by Lingge Lake, Oct. 4, 2005.