China's polar research icebreaker Xuelong-2 glided into Haikou Port in Hainan Province on Wednesday, wrapping up a record-breaking 208-day voyage to Antarctica. Setting sail from Guangzhou last November, the vessel covered over 40,000 nautical miles, pushing the boundaries of polar exploration.
This expedition marked China's first autumn campaign in the Ross Sea ecosystem, venturing beyond traditional summer surveys to confront harsher conditions. Scientists conducted 24 oceanographic transects, deployed 34 high-tech observation buoys, and gathered more than 5,000 samples—including water, sediment cores, biological specimens, and sea ice—for a deeper look at how climate shifts impact these remote ecosystems.
Diverse expertise powered the mission's success. Twelve researchers from eight countries—the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia— joined hands onboard Xuelong-2. Their collaborative work not only advanced global polar science but also strengthened ties across research networks.
In a nod to the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic ties, Xuelong-2 made a maiden call in Thailand in May, hosting a polar science conference and public exhibitions. These events spotlighted the importance of polar conservation and inspired young audiences to champion Earth's frozen frontiers.
By combining daring exploration with data-driven insights and international cooperation, China's 41st Antarctic expedition underscores a shared commitment to understanding—and protecting—the planet's most fragile environments.
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China's icebreaker Xuelong-2 returns after record Antarctic expedition
cgtn.com
