China's 32nd Antarctic expedition began on Saturday morning as the research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, left a Shanghai dock. A team of 277 members between 22 and 61 years of age from more than 80 domestic institutions will make the 159-day round trip of 30,000 nautical miles (55,500 kilometers).

During the mission, researchers will conduct a final survey for the country's fifth Antarctic station site at Victoria Land on the Ross Sea, mapping the site and assessing the ecological and environmental impacts, according to the team's deputy chief Sun Bo.

Team members will also conduct research around Changcheng, Zhongshan, Taishan and Kunlun stations, as well as Prydz Bay, the Ross Sea, the Amundsen Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula.

They will remove an abandoned shelter at Changcheng Station, bring home garbage from Zhongshan and Kunlun stations and help Australia to ship cargo from its Fremantle port to Casey Station.

During the expedition, China's first fixed-wing aircraft for polar use will conduct trial flights and carry out airborne remote sensing and telemetry tasks.

Chinese icebreaker Xuelong lies at anchor in Shanghai on Saturday before it set off for the country's 32nd scientific expedition to Antarctica. Lai Xinlin / For China Daily