The world's two polar regions are not only of great interest to scientists, their spectacular landscapes will soon become an inspiration for Chinese artists.

To celebrate this year's International Polar Year, China's Polar Research Institute is planning to send artists on study tours to the pole, say sources with the institute.

"Artists can draw great inspiration from the polar scene and their artworks will present those areas to the public," said Yang Huigen, vice head of the institute.

A panel of specialists will select artists, musicians and members of the public to participate, said Yang.

"We have talked to some artists in Beijing and Shanghai but haven't worked out a detailed scheme yet," Yang admitted.

International Polar Year is a large scientific program focused on the Arctic and Antarctic, involving 200 projects and thousands of scientists from 60 countries. IPY 2007-2008, the fourth polar year since 1982, will look at physical, biological and social research topics in the polar region.

Editor: Wing