China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team, gathering aboard the country's two polar icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, sets sail on a seven-month journey from Shanghai on Saturday.

Consisting of over 500 members and researchers from more than 10 countries and regions, the team will conduct scientific investigations in the polar region, aiming to enhance the understanding, protection, and utilization of Antarctica, according to Long Wei, deputy head of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.