Mainland Chinese polar research icebreaker gets warm welcome as it opens to visitors in Hong Kong

“It is very stunning,” she said. “Everything is well-organised and neat.”

Li took an hour’s leave from work to visit the ship at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui with her husband.

She said she had paid extra attention to the layout of a laboratory on the ship as she worked for an architectural design firm.

Groups from universities, schools and companies were also among the first groups of visitors to get a close-up view of the ship.

Visitors could access areas such as the marine sampling room and the laboratory, as well as the helipad, complete with the ship’s “Snow Eagle 301” helicopter.

Chow Tsz-tong, 17, a pupil St Rose of Lima’s College, Sha Tin, said she was fascinated by the range of equipment on the ship.

“The most impressive part is how well-equipped the icebreaker is,” Chow, part of a group of 13 pupils from the school, said.

“I know it can be extremely cold in the Antarctic region and I was worried that scientists would be freezing while working.

“But I was told that there are automated air conditioners in the vessel.”

Hong Kong role floated for icebreaker Xue Long 2’s future polar expeditions

Lin Mau-tong, the principal of St Rose of Lima’s, said the visit was a “rare opportunity” for her pupils to see some of the country’s scientific achievements.

Peng Zexin, a master’s student studying electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Hong Kong, said he was most interested in the array of devices and gadgets carried on the ship.

“I am particularly interested in the helicopter, the drone and sample collectors,” Peng said.

“I find it interesting to see how they’ve already applied drones in polar research,” he added. “Drones can go to areas that are difficult for humans to reach and help with the scientific assignments.”

The vessel is open free of charge to tours up to a maximum of 3,000 people between Tuesday and Friday.

Pre-registration is needed for all visitors, but it appeared not everyone was aware of the requirement.

Sham Yung, a 77-year-old retired doctor, left the terminal disappointed because he did not get a visit registration in advance.

Hong Kong to receive icebreaker Xue Long 2 for first time in April

“We feel sorry that we don’t have the chance to visit the icebreaker,” Yung, who wanted to visit with two friends, said.

“It is rare for a scientific research ship to come to Hong Kong so I am curious to see what is inside,” he added. “I hope next time they can have a more accessible way for seniors to get tickets.”

The icebreaker’s visit coincided with a two-day conference on climate change organised by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

An exhibition on the topic and polar research is also running at the Hong Kong Science Museum until June.

Wang Jinhui, the expedition’s deputy leader, earlier said he hoped that Hong Kong’s scientists would take part in the ship’s work.

Professor Ho Kin-chung, founder of visit organisers the Green Future Foundation Association and Polar Research Institute of Hong Kong, earlier added that mainland Chinese authorities had promised to include Hongkongers in future expeditions.