A commendation conference was held in Beijing on Monday to honor heroes and role models for courageous acts. Xie Ruxiang from Zhongshan and Fan Jiangtao from Xinzheng, Henan province were awarded the title of "National Model for Courageous Acts" for their life-saving rescue on Mount Qomolangma.

Xie Ruxiang, a lover of mountaineering from Zhongshan's West District, embarked on his Mt Qomolangma summit bid from the southern base camp at 7,950 meters on May 18, 2023. 

At approximately 9 PM, he reached the icy-rock zone at over 8,400 meters, where teammate Fan Jiangtao and their guide discovered a female climber in distress.

Though within striking distance of the summit and physically capable of proceeding, they decided to abandon their summit plan and chose to rescue the climber instead. Through joint efforts, by 12:15 AM the next day, they safely transported the woman to the base camp.

"Summiting Mount Qomolangma is a personal dream, but no achievement compares to saving a life," Xie reflected. "While not reaching the summit leaves a lingering regret, rescuing someone in such extreme conditions carries far greater significance than standing atop the world."