China's icebreakers Xuelong, Xuelong 2 open to visitors in Dalian port

DALIAN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China's research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, opened for public visits in the port of Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province on Wednesday.

The two icebreakers are expected to receive about 2,000 visitors during the two-day event, which showcases the country's polar scientific expedition achievements, while also facilitating marine talent exchange and promoting the upgrading of ocean-related industries.

Under the guidance of the crew and scientific expedition members, visitors will be able to experience the bridge, laboratories, flight deck, and living quarters of the expedition members, while hearing of their arduous journeys, major scientific achievements from polar expeditions, and the significance of polar scientific research.

Both icebreakers are involved in China's polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic, undertaking major missions that have included polar environmental surveys, climate monitoring and marine scientific research.

The Xuelong and Xuelong 2 successfully completed the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition in May.