The country's first independently built polar scientific research icebreaker "Xuelong 2" started a five-day visit to Hong Kong starting today (April 8)[(Details →)](.

John Lee Ka-chiu:The Visit of "Xuelong 2" to Hong Kong Holds Great Significance

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee said in a welcoming speech that the visit of "Xuelong 2" to Hong Kong this time has brought three major significances to Hong Kong.

First, enhance Hong Kong citizens 'sense of pride in the country's scientific research achievements. He hopes that Hong Kong youth can seize the precious opportunity to communicate with the country's top scientists, follow the example of the brave and hard-afraid polar expedition team, have the courage to join the ranks of innovation and science, and inject Hong Kong's strength into building a scientific and technological power.

Second, deepen Hong Kong citizens 'attention to polar regions and climate change issues. He believes that Hong Kong can continue to give full play to its advantages. While promoting the construction of an international innovation and technology center, it can also conduct scientific surveys on the polar regions to slow down global warming and give full play to Hong Kong's contribution.

Third, support Hong Kong in telling China's story to the world. Li Jiachao said that the country has carried out 40 years of polar exploration, growing from scratch and from basics to strength, demonstrating its responsibility as a strong country that benefits mankind and promotes the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has the unique advantage of "backing the motherland and connecting the world". It is determined to promote the achievements of the country's polar cause on the international stage and promote the world to pay more attention to issues of climate change and environmental protection.

Members of the "Xuelong 2" expedition

Look forward to exploring polar mysteries with Hong Kongers

“雪龙2”号访港期间会免费开放予公众和 团体参观，考察及极地专家团队亦会参与科普讲座等活动 。
考察队副领队魏福海表示，希望通过这些活动让香港市民了解国家极地考察的新进展，感受“雪龙2”号强大的科考能力和极地保障能力，希望香港人民能够看到国家参与极地考察并成为全球环境治理的积极践行者。
未来，魏福海期盼香港的各个科研院校和高校能够积极参与国家极地考察，一起去探索极地的奥秘，关注极地和全球环境保护以及气候变化，一起更好地认识南极、保护南极和利用南极。

Ma Fengguo, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the "Snow Dragon 2" Visit to Hong Kong, revealed that the public has responded enthusiastically to board the ship. The first two days of open registration have been full, and guided tours by schools and other groups are also full. After the conference negotiated and handled licensing and other matters with the SAR government, a new drone show was added on Wednesday evening. The theme is related to the "Snow Dragon 2" mission in the Antarctic. It is expected to become one of Hong Kong's major events to attract citizens to understand polar exploration.

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Hong Kongers in awe

The Xuelong 2 is even more magnificent than imagined

** Today, many citizens came to the waterfront of Tsim Sha Tsui early in the morning to welcome the arrival of the "Snow Dragon 2" and take photos as souvenirs.

Ms Sun, a citizen, said that the visit by "Snow Dragon 2" to Hong Kong demonstrates the importance the country places on Hong Kong; "the country will always have Hong Kong in its thoughts and of course be proud of this." She hopes that in future, the people of Hong Kong can be involved in national large-scale technological developments so that Hong Kong can play a role in the country's technological development.

Photography enthusiast Mr. Lun traveled with all his equipment to record the historic moment when the "Xuelong 2" visited Hong Kong. He said that he took satisfied photos at various angles in the harbour.

Mr. Lun believes that the "Snow Dragon 2" visit to Hong Kong is of great significance and can inspire Hong Kong youth to deepen their understanding of the country and cultivate their interest in natural sciences.

Mr and Mrs Xu, a retired citizen, also came specially to see the ship. Mr Xu said that more than 20 years ago, when the "Xuelong" visited Hong Kong, he was not able to see it because of work, which he regretted. This time he finally had the opportunity to see it and felt very excited. "Looking at it from afar, I thought it was very impressive and very good."

Mr. Xu said that, as a Chinese, he was very proud to see that the motherland was becoming increasingly powerful, and that its technological advancements had reached the world's leading level.

Comprehensive:HKSAR Government Press Release, Cheng News