The polar research icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon) has arrived in the waters near China’s Qinling Station on Antarctica, marking the start of a key phase of the country’s 42nd Antarctic expedition.

At midday yesterday (Beijing Time), the vessel commenced unloading operations to deliver approximately 1,400 tons of supplies to the station. These include critical logistics, engineering and scientific research materials, as well as fuel.

Personnel and equipment are being transported ashore using the expedition’s Xueying 102 (Snow Eagle) helicopter and barges. The helicopter will shuttle researchers and staff, while barges carry the bulk of supplies from the Xuelong to the station.

The Qinling Station, China’s newest Antarctic research facility, is designed to support scientific activities in the region year-round. This resupply mission is essential for maintaining its operations and ongoing research programs through the harsh Antarctic winter.Photos by Xinhua