China's 42nd Antarctic expedition has concluded as the research icebreaker Xuelong set sail for its return on Thursday after completing all planned missions, China Media Group reports.

Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the expedition set new records in terms of personnel scale, logistics volume and mission scope.

Both Xuelong and Xuelong 2 departed from Shanghai on November 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, Xuelong 2 is continuing its mission in Antarctica's Prydz Bay, carrying out a joint ocean ecosystem survey, and is expected to return to Shanghai in late May.