China's polar research vessel Xue Long, or Snow Dragon, arrived in Qingdao, Shandong on April 10, marking the successful conclusion of the 40th Chinese Antarctic expedition organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the People's Government of Shandong Province will hold a welcome ceremony at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center and organize a three-day open day event, providing a rare opportunity for the general public to get an up-close look at China's polar scientific research vessel and learn about polar scientific research.

The event site will also feature exhibitions and information about the polar regions.

Xue long is China's third-generation polar research icebreaker and the country's largest polar research vessel. It is capable of continuously breaking through ice layers up to 1.2 meters thick (including 0.2 meters of snow) at a speed of 1.5 knots. Since its maiden voyage to Antarctica in October 1994, it has conducted scientific expeditions and logistical supply missions to Antarctica 26 times, with its footprint covering all five major oceans. It has set multiple Chinese maritime records.

China's polar research vessel Xue Long, or Snow Dragon, arrives in Qingdao, Shandong on April 10. [Photo/Guanhai News]

Xue long is China's third-generation polar research icebreaker and the country's largest polar research vessel. [Photo/Guanhai News]