Mt. Qomolangma, the world's highest peak, rises 8,844.43 meters above sea level, some four meters shorter than previously measured. The latest measurement of the mountain was carried out by Chinese researchers this year and updates the reading taken by China in 1975. CRI reporter Zhou Yun takes a closer look.

This is the second time that a Chinese team has scaled the heights of Mt. Qomolangma, also known as Mt. Everest. About 30 years ago, China measured the mountain's height at 8848.13 meters.

Chen Bangzhu, director general of the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping, attributes the difference in height mainly to the fact that the previous survey team did not reach the summit's rock surface.

"Actually the Qomolangma region is a place where the earth's crust is moving, but the new measurement is based on the height of the peak's rock surface. Before, we were unable to measure the height of the rock surface, this time we measured the thickness of the ice to get the actual height of the rock surface."

The latest measurement was made by a team jointly organised by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping.

Twenty people, including surveyors, mountaineers and support staff, reached the summit on May 22. They stayed at the top for two hours in inclement conditions to take measurements for 40 minutes.

They have used the latest technology to measure the mountain, including satellite equipment belonging to the Global Positioning System and a radar altimeter at six different control points. Scientists spent most of the Summer evaluating the data.

Chen Bangzhu says this is the most accurate measurement made so far in the world.

"The error of the measurement of rock surface has a range of plus or minus 0.21 meters, while the thickness of the ice at the summit is measured at 3.5 meters. That concludes the final height as 8844.43 meters."

He adds that it is too early to arrive at the conclusion that Mt. Qomolangma has become shorter and the statistic will take time to gain acceptance from international organizations. China is ready to hold an international symposium to explain the findings.