China's Antarctic ice breaker the Snow Dragon left the continent's Zhongshan station for China Monday, winding up the country's 24th scientific expedition to the region.

China's scientific exploration ship Xuelong, or Snow Dragon sails near floating ice in Antarctica, on February14 2008. On the second stage of China's 24th expedition on the South Pole. The Snow Dragon left the continent's Zhongshan station for China Monday, winding up the country's 24th scientific expedition to the region.

The Snow Dragon, or Xuelong in Chinese, with over 100 researchers aboard, is expected to arrive in China's coastal city of Shanghai on April 15.

The expedition team, which left Shanghai on November 12, 2007, completed 37 scientific studies and 10 logistic programs despite encountering rough seas and severe snowstorms in Antarctica. The researchers' efforts helped the 24th mission surpass all previous ones in the number of fulfilled tasks.

The mission also saw the Snow Dragon break several records as the Chinese vessel experienced its longest Antarctic journey with the heaviest load.

(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2008)