People from different walks of life eagerly explored the first domestic-built polar research vessel, as icebreaker Xue Long 2 lowered its gangway to the public in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The vessel, which started its five-day visit to Hong Kong on Monday, has recently finished its latest Antarctic scientific expedition. It is equipped with various advanced marine and polar research facilities, including a data acquisition and detection system for the collection of seawater samples at various depths.

The vessel will stay in the city through Friday. Members of the expedition will attend several sharing sessions with Hong Kong students in the coming days.

China Daily's Andy Chong took the photos.