China's Research Vessel Xuelong Leaves Qingdao for 5th Arctic Expedition

    Researchers and sailors of China's research vessel Xuelong, or "Snow Dragon," participate in the farewell ceremony for its fifth Arctic expedition in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 2, 2012. Xuelong, an A-2 class icebreaker capable of breaking ice 1.2 meters thick, is estimated to travel over 17,000 nautical miles during its 90-day voyage. It is scheduled to return to Shanghai on Sept. 29.