China's 41st Antarctic expedition team returns on the 'Xuelong' Icebreaker

(ECNS) — The "Xuelong" icebreaker returned to Shanghai on Tuesday, marking the successful completion of China's 41st Antarctic expedition's main tasks, according to China's Ministry of Natural Resources.

The expedition team consisted of 516 members from 118 domestic and international institutions. This marks China's second implementation of a three-ship segmented Antarctic research mission.

The "Xuelong" departed from Guangzhou on Nov. 1, 2024, and returned after 159 days and covering a total distance of over 27,000 nautical miles.

（By Zhao Li）