China's research vessel Xuelong has just broken a world record by reaching Antarctica's Ross Sea.

It is the southernmost sea a research vessel has ever passed through.

Scientists believe the Ross Sea contains the last prehistoric oceanic ecological system, making it the most likely place to research the life cycle of the South Pole.

The sea is also an ideal natural laboratory for studying the influence of climate change. This is China's 33rd scientific expedition to Antarctica.

China's research vessel Xuelong has just broken a world record by reaching Antarctica's Ross Sea.

Scientists believe the Ross Sea contains the last prehistoric oceanic ecological system, making it the most likely place to research the life cycle of the South Pole.