China’s 42nd Antarctic expedition team embarked on a monumental seven-month journey from Shanghai on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in polar exploration. The team, comprising over 500 members and researchers from more than 10 countries and regions, set sail aboard the nation’s two state-of-the-art polar icebreakers, Xuelong and Xuelong 2 (Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2). This ambitious mission aims to conduct comprehensive scientific investigations in Antarctica, focusing on enhancing global understanding, protection, and sustainable utilization of the region. Long Wei, deputy head of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration, emphasized the expedition’s critical role in advancing polar research and fostering international cooperation. The voyage underscores China’s growing commitment to scientific exploration and environmental stewardship in one of the world’s most remote and fragile ecosystems.