China's 35th Antarctic expedition fruitful

Members of China's Taishan scientific expedition team establish new buildings under snow at Taishan Station in Antarctica, Jan. 1, 2019. China's icebreaker Xuelong, also known as the Snow Dragon, is on its way back home from its 35th Antarctic research mission aboard. The completion of the second stage of Taishan station is one the most important achievements by researchers, who have established new buildings and systems of power generation, snow melting and sewage treatment under snow. (Xinhua)

ABOARD XUELONG, March 8 (Xinhua) -- China's icebreaker Xuelong, also known as the Snow Dragon, is on its way back home with crew members on the 35th Antarctic research mission aboard.

The mission members have made a series of research advances during the four-month-long journey, such as the completion of new buildings and supporting facilities in research bases, marine species surveys, underwater robot tests, installation of new radar and solar telescopes.

The ship departed from Shanghai on Nov. 2, withstood the harsh natural environment in Antarctica and overcame various difficulties including colliding with icebergs in January.

"China's Antarctic expedition is sure to make greater progress, which will help better understand, protect and utilize the continent, and bring more benefits to mankind," said Sun Bo, head of the research team.

Photo taken on Jan. 5, 2019 shows buildings established under snow at China's Taishan Station in Antarctica. China's icebreaker Xuelong, also known as the Snow Dragon, is on its way back home from its 35th Antarctic research mission aboard. The completion of the second stage of Taishan station is one the most important achievements by researchers, who have established new buildings and systems of power generation, snow melting and sewage treatment under snow. (Xinhua)

Photo taken on Feb. 2, 2019 shows solar panels and wind turbines set up to power the main building (R) of China's Taishan Station with clean energy in Antarctica. China's icebreaker Xuelong, also known as the Snow Dragon, is on its way back home from its 35th Antarctic research mission aboard. The completion of the second stage of Taishan station is one the most important achievements by researchers, who have established new buildings and systems of power generation, snow melting and sewage treatment under snow. (Xinhua/Liu Shiping)