November 3, 2025
SHANGHAI – China’s 42nd Antarctic expedition team, gathering aboard the country’s two polar icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, sets sail on a seven-month journey from Shanghai on Saturday.
Consisting of over 500 members and researchers from more than 10 countries and regions, the team will conduct scientific investigations in the polar region, aiming to enhance the understanding, protection, and utilization of Antarctica, according to Long Wei, deputy head of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.
China’s 42nd Antarctic expedition team, gathering aboard the country’s two polar icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2 sets sail on a seven-month journey from Shanghai on Saturday. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY
Long introduced at a news briefing that the research team will focus on several key tasks. One highlight is that the team will advance the construction of supporting infrastructure and optimize the operation system at the Qinling Station in Antarctica, which is China’s fifth Antarctic base and began operations in February 2024.
On this expedition, scientists will conduct comprehensive multidisciplinary investigations across multiple Antarctic domains to deepen the understanding of Antarctica’s role in global climate change. In key marine areas, including waters adjacent to the Antarctic Peninsula, Amundsen Sea, Ross Sea, and Prydz Bay, the team will investigate the impacts of climate change on the Southern Ocean ecosystem through integrated marine, biological, chemical, atmospheric, and glacial research.
China’s 42nd Antarctic expedition team, gathering aboard the country’s two polar icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2 sets sail on a seven-month journey from Shanghai on Saturday. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY
The team will carry out major R&D projects as well as advance the new applications of homegrown equipment and technologies. China will conduct its first scientific drilling experiment into deep inland Antarctic ice-covered lakes. The team will also validate domestically developed equipment, as well as the new application of multiple advanced technologies, including automated observation and satellite remote sensing.
The team is expected to return to China in May.