Storyline: Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, opened its decks to the public on Tuesday at Lyttelton Harbor in Christchurch, New Zealand, attracting 600-plus visitors, including local officials and members of the public. Put into service in 2019, Xuelong 2, measuring 122.5 meters long and 22.3 meters wide, is China's first domestically made polar icebreaker, capable of breaking ice 1.5 meters high and snow 0.2 meters thick. The visitors were excited to board Xuelong 2 and amazed by the advanced equipment of the icebreaker. As part of the visit, Chinese and New Zealand Antarctic researchers held an academic seminar aboard the vessel, discussing polar marine biology, chemistry and geology, with researchers highlighting the role of cooperation and communication in scientific research of Antarctica. Currently on China's 41st Antarctic expedition, the Xuelong 2 is making its second stop in Christchurch on this voyage. During its port call, the Xuelong 2 conducted personnel rotations and resupply before continuing its mission in the Ross Sea for an oceanic survey. Shotlist: Christchurch, New Zealand - March 18, 2025: 1. Various of icebreaker at port; 2. Visitors embarking on Xuelong 2; 3. Various of visitors aboard Xuelong 2, taking photos; 4. Various of staff members engaging with visitors; 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Hamish Campbell, member of New Zealand Parliament: "My background, I am actually a scientist, so it's very interesting to see the laboratories downstairs where a lot of the Antarctic research goes on. So it's great to be able to come aboard and see what research has been happening." 6. Staff members engaging with visitors; 7. SOUNDBITE (English) Damon Rutherford, New Zealand resident: "It's a real privilege for us to be able to have a look at it. To look at the amazing technology and what China is doing in the Antarctic. Really interesting." 8. Various of academic seminar in progress; 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Graham Wise, director, International Development, University of Canterbury: "It is really nice to see international scientists work together and communicate together. Science is an international activity and science in Antarctica is more international than most because the challenges we face are global and the efforts that we need to put into research in Antarctica must be global as well." 10. People posing for photos; 11. Xuelong 2 at port. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]