China’s cutting-edge research icebreaker, Xuelong-2 (Snow Dragon-2), turned heads in New Zealand this week as it opened its decks to curious visitors at Lyttelton Harbor! 🌊 Over 600 people, including locals and officials, toured the vessel during its pit stop in Christchurch. The ship is currently on China’s 41st Antarctic expedition, and this marks its second visit to the city on its icy voyage.
But it wasn’t just sightseeing—the event sparked science collabs! 👩🔬🤝 Chinese and New Zealand researchers teamed up for an onboard seminar, diving into polar marine biology, geology, and climate studies. Talks ranged from mysterious deep-sea creatures to how Antarctica’s ecosystems are shifting amid global changes.
After resupplying and rotating crew members, Xuelong-2 is now sailing toward the Ross Sea for its next mission: mapping oceanic currents and studying ice dynamics. ❄️🔍 Pro tip: This high-tech ship is China’s first domestically built polar research vessel—equipped to smash through 1.5-meter-thick ice while keeping labs running!
Events like this bridge science and culture, showing how global teamwork fuels discoveries in Earth’s most remote corners. 🌍✨
