China’s cutting-edge icebreaker, Xuelong 2 (Snow Dragon 2), wrapped up its five-day trip to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today, setting sail back to Shanghai after inspiring locals with tales of polar exploration and climate science.
The vessel, fresh from China’s 40th Antarctic expedition, welcomed over 250 students and families aboard during public tours. Scientists also joined a climate change conference at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and chatted with teens at the Hong Kong Science Museum’s polar exhibit.
Organizers called the visit a smash hit. \"Xuelong 2 and 'polar research' are now household terms here,\" said Ma Fung-kwok, head of the event’s planning committee. Meanwhile, expedition deputy leader Wei Fuhai highlighted the trip’s timing: \"This marks 40 years of China’s polar missions—and we want youth to chase big questions about nature and sustainability.\"
With interactive exhibits and face-to-face scientist meetups, the icebreaker’s stay aimed to spark STEM curiosity while showcasing China’s Antarctic achievements. Who knows? The next generation of polar explorers might’ve just boarded!
