🚢 On Monday, December 29, 2025, China's polar icebreaker Xuelong reached the icy waters off Qinling Station, kicking off the unloading of around 1,400 tonnes of vital supplies for the 42nd Antarctic expedition. 🧊
Expedition leader Wei Fuhai highlights that over the next five days, the crew will transfer logistical gear, engineering equipment, scientific instruments, and fuel to keep Qinling Station running smoothly. Supplies glide ashore on sturdy barges while waste and select items head back to the mainland, all depending on weather and progress. ⛴️📦
Meanwhile, on-site teams are already busy upgrading facilities. From reinforcing the research building to boosting the communication network, every tweak amps up the station's support for up to 80 researchers braving the extreme conditions. 🛠️📡
Commissioned on February 7, 2024, Qinling Station is the Chinese mainland's fifth Antarctic outpost and the largest in its Ross Sea lineup, boasting over 5,200 sqm under one roof. This mission also sees Xuelong launching marine surveys and helicopters capturing stunning aerial shots of the frozen frontier. 🔬🚁
Organized by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, the 42nd expedition isn't just about restocking shelves—it's about pushing the boundaries of polar science and ensuring Qinling Station remains a hub of discovery in Earth's southernmost realm. 🌏✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
