China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Saturday, marking the end of its oceanic survey mission, the country's 40th Antarctic expedition. The ship will carry out a crew change and a resupply at the port.

This expedition was China's first Antarctic scientific research mission carried out by three ships working together, namely Xuelong, Xuelong 2 and the cargo vessel Tian Hui. During the journey, researchers aboard the ship carried out comprehensive surveys of the hydrology, atmosphere, marine ice, biology and chemistry in the Amundsen Sea and adjacent waters.