China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team has returned to Shanghai, with ice breaker Xuelong docking on Thursday. The expedition started on November 1, 2025 with 550 team members. Multiple breakthroughs were made, including a world record of 3,413-meter Antarctic hot-water drilling, and filed tests of domestically developed equipment "Snow Leopard" 6×6 wheeled vehicle. A set of new equipment was also placed to monitor the eco-system of Antarctic Ocean. It is expected to provide essential support for research on eco-protection of the region and climate change.