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Distant, unknown, cold, and beautiful...
Beneath the roar of cracking ice and the fierce winds sweeping across the icy plains
lies a world of pure white and vibrant life. The polar regions
have always been the "ultimate dream" of all travelers, held in awe
yet yearned for forever.
In November last year and February this year, China-TravelNote embarked on two Antarctic cruise trips. The tourists’ wonderful moments in the Southern Ocean are still vivid in their minds!
This July, we set off again, aiming for the Arctic! Led by our team leader, Xiao Che, we cruised across 78° North Latitude and ventured deep into the Svalbard Islands, the "Kingdom of Polar Bears"!
Breaking the ice
Watching spectacular glaciers and fjords pass by, I captured a polar bear's moment of despair, witnessed a herd of walruses lazily basking in the midnight sun, and captured the vibrant life of the tundra under the midnight sun...
After the trip, we received a wave of good reviews, and some tourists even recorded their own solo dances in the Arctic, which was full of ritual.
The most beautiful (and most expensive) transition in history 🤣 @tourists Dapu Bridge Wang Jiaer
So the question is, 🙋🏻♂️,
if time, finances, entry/exit constraints, etc. are limited,
is it better to go to Antarctica or the Arctic?
In this post, Product Manager Qiuyu invited Xiao Che, a team leader who successfully achieved his dream of traveling to both poles, to share his interesting experiences in the Arctic and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Q1: What unforgettable experiences and interesting things did you encounter when leading the team back from the Arctic this time?
Xiao Che: Before heading to the Arctic, I'd always wanted to see more polar bears. We got our wish, and on the second day of our cruise, we saw one, and then on the third and fourth.
But unexpectedly, seeing the polar bears became a burden, preventing us from disembarking and conducting our normal activities for two days.
Because according to the new regulations, if you spot a polar bear, you cannot get off the ship and can only watch it from a distance on the cruise ship. You can imagine the shooting effect, even though I brought a 600mm telephoto lens.
Super long cannon 📸
Global warming is posing a significant challenge to the polar bears' habitat. The Arctic is warming at a rate 3.7 times the global average. Declining sea ice is forcing polar bears into human habitats more frequently, increasing the risk of human-bear conflict.
As outsiders, we too should adapt to the new rules and redefine the meaning of Arctic travel—shifting from "close encounters" to "sustainable observation."
Q2: Compared to the last time you led a team in Antarctica, what are the different experiences and feelings of leading a team in the Arctic?
Xiao Che: After arriving in the Arctic, the team members had a common feeling, that is, the Arctic water and sea ice are not as pure as those in Antarctica.
📍North Pole
I'm not trying to create a conflict; both the Arctic and Antarctic have their own unique beauty and characteristics. The Arctic's marine environment is subject to significant human intervention, which inevitably impacts the environment. Antarctica,
on the other hand, is one of the world's most pristine regions due to its isolated continental landmass, predominantly freshwater ice, and strict environmental protections.
📍Antarctica
This difference reflects the distinct value of the two poles in climate change research: the Arctic is the "frontline" of climate change, while the Antarctic is the "foundation" of the Earth's broader environment.
Therefore, being in the Arctic allows one to more directly and personally experience the impacts of marine environmental pollution and global climate change.
Q3: After successfully exploring Antarctica and the Arctic, were these two icy continents the same as you imagined? Was there a moment that deeply moved you?
Xiao Che: Actually, I also mentioned in the last interview in Antarctica that climate issues may not be felt in our daily lives, but earth-shaking changes are taking place in the polar regions. The collapse of glaciers and the melting of sea ice are the most intuitive feelings.
Antarctic glaciers
However, there are two points I'd like to share. The first is the "red snow" phenomenon in Antarctica, which Lin Momo mentioned in our last interview. Due to global warming, microbial algae, which previously struggled to decompose animal feces, are now appearing. They multiply and transform, leaving "bloodstains" on the white ice and a fishy odor in the air. The
second is that when we were photographing polar bears on this cruise, our expedition team members explained that due to climate change, habitat loss and food scarcity, polar bears have shrunk by nearly one-third compared to over a decade ago. They even showed us photos of polar bears that had died of starvation, their emaciated appearances shocking!
Therefore, the disappearance of the North and South Poles isn't just an abstract number, but a visible decline and a cold reality. After two trips to the polar regions, I've become more concerned about environmental issues, and this has also had a positive impact on my children's lives.
📍Arctic World Seed Gene Bank
Q4: Here's a topic everyone is most concerned about: Antarctica or the Arctic. Which one do you recommend? Why?
Xiao Che: Hahaha, comparisons are inevitable. I'll explain this in detail. Actually, each pole has its own unique charms.
Antarctica is a continent covered in ice and snow, with vast, pristine glaciers stretching from land to sea, forming a magnificent ice wall. A cruise through it feels like stepping into a dream world.
You'll have the opportunity to see penguins frolicking on the ice, seals lazing on the ice floes, and whales leaping with splashes and songs...
The most unforgettable experience is the land exploration. Take a Zodiac and, guided by professional expedition members, hike across the ice and experience the awe-inspiring power of nature. There are also activities like ice diving, kayaking, and sunset viewing, ensuring you won't be bored.
Diving champion 🙋🏻♂️
In the same frame with penguins 🐧
The Arctic region, centered around the Arctic Ocean, includes numerous islands (like the Svalbard archipelago we visited this time). Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic boasts a rich tundra landscape. In summer, the tundra blooms with vibrant flowers, adding a touch of life to the cold landscape.
Tundra in full bloom
Polar bears forage on the ice floes, and walruses often gather on the shore or on the ice, creating a magnificent spectacle. The Arctic is also a bird paradise. This time, we spotted flocks of thick-billed murres on the cliffs, and we also spotted Arctic gulls and kittiwakes during our boat trip.
In addition, the Arctic has a unique cultural landscape, with Nordic minimalist residential architecture and the traditional culture of the Inuit being highlights.
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen houses
If both the Arctic and Antarctic are on your travel list, I recommend heading to the Arctic first. As the "intersection of human civilization and the polar regions," the journey from the Arctic to the Antarctic offers a more engaging experience, both in terms of human culture and nature.
If you only have to choose one destination, I recommend going straight to Antarctica. Known as "the last pure land on Earth," Antarctica boasts 97% of its landmass covered in ice and snow, with glaciers exceeding those of the Arctic in both size and purity.
📍Antarctica
If you have the budget, the stunning scenery of Antarctica is a worthy destination. Argentina, a longtime gateway to Antarctica, also announced a new policy on July 22nd: 30 days of visa-free travel for US visa holders worldwide, making entry and exit more convenient and efficient.
Wildlife enthusiasts prioritize Antarctica. Penguins, seals, whales, and other animals are concentrated in diverse species and large numbers. For example, colonies of Adélie penguins can number in the hundreds of thousands, with an observation probability exceeding 80%. In contrast, Arctic animals (such as polar bears, Arctic foxes, beluga whales, and reindeer) are more dispersed, making observation more dependent on luck.
Creatures of Antarctica 🐳
Arctic moose
Comfort-conscious travelers may be better suited to the Arctic. Direct flights from China to Northern Europe take only about 10 hours, and the Arctic route avoids the dreaded Drake Passage. Although "flying over the Drake" route to Antarctica now exists, the traditional ship-to-and-return method is still considered a "must-have" for polar travel and offers a unique Antarctic travel experience.
Q5: What advice would you give to tourists who want to go to Antarctica or the Arctic?
Xiao Che: I will give you some references in terms of travel season, travel duration and budget.
📆Travel Season
Antarctica is generally open from November to March.
Those who enjoy viewing snowy landscapes should choose November and December, when summer begins and the ice and snow cover the Antarctic, creating a more pristine landscape.
Those who enjoy watching animals feast should choose January to March, when the weather is relatively warm, vegetation grows, and penguin chicks are active.
Whale activity is more frequent in March, and you may also have the opportunity to witness the spectacular sight of calving icebergs.
The best time to travel to the Arctic is generally from June to September.
June and July: Tundra wildflowers bloom, and large polar animals like polar bears and walruses are active.
August and September: The aurora borealis first appears, birds migrate south, and the region is also ideal for cultural exploration, such as visiting Inuit villages.
🛫Travel time
🔸Antarctica takes longer to reach, with a return ship voyage and international flights typically taking 16-17 days.
🔸The Arctic takes less time, offering a wider range of destinations. For example, Svalbard itself, combined with international flights, can be reached in 10-14 days.
💰Travel budget
🔸The cost of Antarctic travel varies greatly, depending on the time of year, route, and number of days, with average costs ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 yuan per person.
🔸The Arctic, with shorter trips and better accessibility, costs around 70,000 to 150,000 yuan per person.
Traveling to both Antarctica and the Arctic offers not only scenic views but also a profound experience of awe and reverence for nature. Regardless of which polar region you choose, advance planning, thorough preparation, and an open mind are key.
💡 Furthermore, travelers must exercise strict self-discipline, adhere to international environmental conventions, and respect the environment and life. As a polar explorer once said, "Here, humans are merely visitors, while nature is the eternal protagonist."
Maybe it will be a perfect, shocking and soul-purifying journey, or maybe it will be a torturous, difficult and regretful journey. When we are ready to accept it all, then I think we can prepare to set off.
Thank you so much for sharing. Regarding the last two topics, we also made a simple comparison chart to let everyone see the difference between the North and South Poles more intuitively.
👉🏻 China-TravelNote: Are there any tours scheduled for this year to the North and South Poles?
Of course! Bookings are now open for the 2025-2026 season!
🙋🏻♂️The Antarctic season is taking off!
👉🏻 [Antarctic Peninsula: 17-Day Emperor Penguin Encounter]
🌟Conditionally visa-free | Departing February 13, 2026✅
Already scheduled.
Departing from Shanghai | 17~20 days
Antarctic Peninsula: Emperor Penguin Encounter (17-Day) | Extended Tour with Iguazu Falls
￥129800 from 31 people have registered Register now👉🏻[Extreme Landscapes: Antarctic Three Islands Photography 26-Day Tour]
🌟A Photographer's Dream Trip | Conditionally Visa-Free | Departs February 22, 2026✅
Already Confirmed
Departing from Shanghai丨26 days and 22 nights
Extreme Landscapes: Antarctic Three Islands Photography Tour 26th Day | Confirmed
￥166800 Yuan 32 people have registered Register now🙋🏻♂️ Early bird registration is now available for the Arctic!
👉🏻 [Extreme Scenery · Arctic Photography 14 Days]
🌟Due to seasonal factors, this tour will start next summer, departing on July 20, 2026
Departing from Beijing丨14 days and 11 nights
Extreme Landscapes: Arctic Photography | Around Svalbard
￥74800 New products Sign up nowTourists who have experienced it have given unanimous praise 👍🏻
Antarctica is the last pure land on Earth,
and the Arctic is the kingdom of ice and snow for life.
If you are still hesitating,
maybe only this sentence can help you decide:
Only children make choices, as an adult, I want them all!
Copywriter @Autumn Rain
