China's polar icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon) docked at Qingdao port in Shandong Province on Wednesday, wrapping up its 40th Antarctic expedition. The vessel’s return marks another milestone in China’s polar research, blending cutting-edge science with a dash of icy adventure. ❄️🔬
CGTN reporter Yang Shanshan took viewers on a virtual tour of the ship, showcasing its high-tech labs and rugged design built to crush through thick sea ice. \"Xuelong isn’t just a ship—it’s a floating research hub,\" she explained, highlighting its role in climate studies and marine biology.
This year’s 40th expedition focused on climate resilience, biodiversity surveys, and testing new tech for extreme environments. With Antarctic ice melt making global headlines, the mission underscores China’s growing role in polar science. 🌊📡
Fun fact: The Xuelong has traveled over 1.4 million nautical miles since its first Antarctic voyage in 1984—that’s like circling Earth 60 times! 🗺️✨
