China's 41st Antarctic expedition returns to Shanghai(1/3)

China's research icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, prepares to dock at a port in Shanghai, April 8, 2025. (Photo provided to China News Service)

Icebreaker Xuelong arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday, marking the completion of key missions in the country's 41st Antarctic expedition.

The expedition involved 516 members from 118 domestic and international institutions and was carried out by three vessels. Xuelong completed a 159-day journey covering over 27,000 nautical miles, from its departure from Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 1, 2024, to its arrival on Tuesday.

China's research icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, berths at a port in Shanghai, April 8, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Ruan Yulin)

Members of China's 41st Antarctic expedition team pose for a group photo at a port in Shanghai, April 8, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Ruan Yulin)