Members of China's 16th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition wave to relatives and friends on the research icebreaker Xuelong 2 at the base dock in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 30, 2026. China's research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, returned to Shanghai in east China on Wednesday after nearly three months of the country's 16th Arctic Ocean expedition. Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the expedition was carried out by four vessels: Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi and Tansuo-3. As of now, Jidi and Tansuo-3 are still on their research missions and are expected to return in mid-October. (Xinhua/Wen Jinghua)

SHANGHAI, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, returned to Shanghai in east China on Wednesday after nearly three months of the country's 16th Arctic Ocean expedition.

The expedition successfully completed key tasks, including comprehensive investigation and monitoring, cutting-edge scientific research, and international cooperation. According to the expedition team, both the scale of the expedition and the total number of tasks reached new highs.

It achieved fruitful results in new scientific discoveries, theoretical breakthroughs, technological tests, and equipment applications, providing strong support for a deeper understanding of and effective response to global climate change and promoting sustainable development in the Arctic.

Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the expedition was carried out by four vessels: Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi and Tansuo-3.

As of now, Jidi and Tansuo-3 are still on their research missions and are expected to return in mid-October. 

A welcome ceremony for members of China's 16th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition is held at the base dock in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 30, 2026.

China's research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, returned to Shanghai in east China on Wednesday after nearly three months of the country's 16th Arctic Ocean expedition.

Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the expedition was carried out by four vessels: Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi and Tansuo-3.

As of now, Jidi and Tansuo-3 are still on their research missions and are expected to return in mid-October. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A welcome ceremony for members of China's 16th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition is held at the base dock in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 30, 2026.

China's research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, returned to Shanghai in east China on Wednesday after nearly three months of the country's 16th Arctic Ocean expedition.

Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the expedition was carried out by four vessels: Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi and Tansuo-3.

As of now, Jidi and Tansuo-3 are still on their research missions and are expected to return in mid-October. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Members of China's 16th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition talk with their relatives and friends at the base dock in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 30, 2026.

China's research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, returned to Shanghai in east China on Wednesday after nearly three months of the country's 16th Arctic Ocean expedition.

Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the expedition was carried out by four vessels: Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi and Tansuo-3.

As of now, Jidi and Tansuo-3 are still on their research missions and are expected to return in mid-October. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A member of China's 16th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition poses for photos with family members at the base dock in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 30, 2026.

China's research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, returned to Shanghai in east China on Wednesday after nearly three months of the country's 16th Arctic Ocean expedition.

Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the expedition was carried out by four vessels: Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi and Tansuo-3.

As of now, Jidi and Tansuo-3 are still on their research missions and are expected to return in mid-October. (Xinhua/Wen Jinghua)

China's research icebreake Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, berths at the base dock in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 30, 2026.

China's research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon and Snow Dragon 2, returned to Shanghai in east China on Wednesday after nearly three months of the country's 16th Arctic Ocean expedition.

Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the expedition was carried out by four vessels: Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi and Tansuo-3.

As of now, Jidi and Tansuo-3 are still on their research missions and are expected to return in mid-October.

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Tong Lin