Xuebao Ding, Sichuan. The first ascent of Xuebao Ding (5588 meters, 18,334 feet) was made by an expedition of the Himalayan Association of Japan led by Kunimitsu Sakai. After reaching Base Camp on August 5, they climbed the south ridge. On August 12, Hitoshi Kubo, Yasuji Moriyama, Hideo Tobe, Hidekatsu Kashiwakura and Mrs. Hiroko Hirakawa reached the summit. They were followed the next day by the leader, Mitsunori Naka and Yasuke Gouda. A Himalayan Association of Japan expedition in 1986 did not reach the top.