China's 41st Antarctic expedition begins mission to study climate impact

To join the research vessels, a cargo ship named Yong Sheng will also leave Zhangjiagang in East China's Jiangsu province for the Antarctic later this month.

Yong Sheng will mainly be responsible for transporting materials to construct supporting facilities at China's Qinling Antarctic Station.

Consisting of about 500 people from 80 domestic departments, units and institutes, the research team will return to the country in May, Long said.