Shao Hui, the head of China's Zhongshan Station in Antarctica, hugs a relative after ariving in Shanghai, East China, yesterday. China's 24th scientific expedition to Antarctica, on the ship Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai yesterday.

The expedition team, which left Shanghai on Nov. 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.

Xinhua/Pei Xin