China's 25th Antarctic expedition team has encountered unexpectedly harsh weather 40 kilometers north of China's Zhongshan Station. The Snow Dragon Expedition Vessel is making efforts to break through thick ice and move forward.

China's ice breaker Xuelong or "Snow Dragon" is blocked by thick ice around the Antarctica during her 25th expedition to Antarctica, on Nov. 24, 2008. An ice detection team was formed on Tuesday to search for new routes due to the thick and condensed ice that stopped the ice breaker. [Xinhua]

Snow and wind near the station have blocked the expedition team's progress. The team has decided to transfer food and materials to the station by helicopter. Vegetables are among the most needed items, as the team relies on them for vitamins and nutrition.

Weather monitoring stations predict strong wind and snow over the next few days around Zhongshan station and the area where the Snow Dragon ship is stuck.

Workers say the vessel will continue toward an area where supplies can be easily transferred to the station, but they'll have to rely on the helicopter for now.