China's first domestically made polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, crossed the equator and entered the southern hemisphere for China's 36th Antarctic expedition on Thursday.

Xuelong 2, together with another icebreaker Xuelong, sailed on the country's 36th Antarctic expedition on October 15, with the objectives of improving China's ability to cope with climate change and increase participation in Antarctic global governance.

The two icebreakers are expected to meet at the Zhongshan Station on Prydz Bay in East Antarctica.