Expedition Overview

The inaugural session of the "Learn from the Mountains, Hear the Springs" university heavy-duty trekking charity series was initiated by Mountain Spring and co-organized with multiple Chinese universities. Held from August 7–11, 2024, at Abujicuo, this first phase focused on integrating plateau exploration with natural education for students from diverse academic backgrounds.

Destination: Abujicuo, The "Secret Realm" of Shangri-La

Abujicuo, which translates to "Miraculous Lake" in Tibetan, is a hidden gem nestled deep within the Tianbao Snow Mountains in Yunnan Province. Located at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters, this sacred alpine lake is revered by locals as a "tear dropped upon a lotus petal," surrounded by jagged peaks on three sides.

The region serves as a pristine natural classroom for students. Its ecosystem transitions rapidly from ancient forests and high-altitude meadows to wild pastures inhabited by yaks and Tibetan fragrant pigs. The lake's waters shift through mesmerizing shades of blue and green, offering a raw, untouched glimpse into the geography of the Yunnan-Tibet plateau.

The 3-Day Heavy-Duty Trekking Route

This intensive 25km loop was designed to challenge students' physical limits while providing deep immersion in the wilderness.

Cultural Heritage & Multidisciplinary Fusion

The name Abujicuo reflects a unique linguistic blend: "Abu" (Elder Brother) and "Ji" (Water) from the Naxi language, combined with "Cuo" (Lake) from Tibetan. This naming convention highlights the centuries of multi-ethnic harmony in Northwest Yunnan.

The lake is adorned with prayer flags and mani stones, where students observed the traditional Tibetan practice of circumambulation (Kora). By engaging with local nomadic herders over butter tea and tsampa, participants gained a profound understanding of how traditional beliefs align with modern ecological conservation.

Participant Profile

The expedition team consisted of university students aged 18 to 25, representing various academic disciplines. Whether joining as solo explorers or in small groups of friends, all participants shared a commitment to the philosophy of "Respect Nature, Support Each Other, and Apply Knowledge to Practice." The team operated through a system of mutual aid, handling heavy-duty gear together while practicing "Leave No Trace" (LNT) principles.

Expedition Mission

The core mission of the "Learn from the Mountains, Hear the Springs" initiative is to foster Nature Education + Quality Education.

• Resilience: Building willpower through high-altitude physical challenges.

• Vision: Expanding horizons by experiencing plateau geography and Tibetan folklore firsthand.

• Charity: Cultivating a sense of social responsibility and environmental stewardship among the next generation of leaders.

Mountain Spring: Professional Gear Support

As the primary sponsor and organizer, Mountain Spring provided professional-grade outdoor equipment specifically adapted for the volatile Abujicuo environment.

Shelter Systems:

• Dushan (Learn from the Mountains) Single Tents: A lightweight, compact design for solo trekkers. These tents feature high-performance windproof and waterproof fabrics to shield students from the freezing nocturnal winds of the plateau.

• Dushan Double Tents: Designed for pairs, these tents offer a spacious interior without significantly increasing the load. The tear-resistant fabric is ideal for the rocky, rain-heavy terrain of Shangri-La.

Sleeping Systems:

• E60A Egg-Crate Foam Mats: Utilizing high-elasticity IXPE material, these mats provide superior thermal insulation and damp-proofing. The ergonomic "egg-crate" texture offers critical support and recovery for students after a day of heavy-duty trekking, ensuring high-quality rest on uneven, rocky ground.

Brand Commitment

Mountain Spring remains dedicated to the vision of "Guarding Every Step Outdoors." By integrating professional, safe, and comfortable gear into university field practices, the brand ensures that the spirit of outdoor exploration and ecological protection is deeply rooted in the hearts of young explorers.