China's icebreaker Xuelong has arrived in the Antarctic ice zone, after the research vessel launched its 33rd Antarctic expedition on November 2nd. The 256-member team has overcome various complex weather conditions during their 27-day trip, and reached the designated area three days ahead of schedule.

They will visit Zhongshan, Kunlun, Taishan and Changcheng stations, performing various research tasks. The team will also carry out environmental clean-up around the stations. In late January, they will survey the Ross Sea. The team is scheduled to return to Shanghai on April 11th next year.