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! 👩🔬❄️
