China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team set sail from Shanghai on Saturday, embarking on a new scientific mission expected to last nearly seven months.

The mission will be supported jointly by two research icebreakers, Xuelong and Xuelong 2.

The 500-strong team brings together diverse experts from more than 80 institutions in China, alongside researchers from over 10 countries and regions, including Thailand, Chile and Portugal, fostering broader international scientific collaboration.