China's polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, departs from the Shekou cruise home port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

It's the first time Xuelong and Xuelong 2 work together on China's Antarctic expedition.

SHENZHEN, Oct. 16, 2019 (Xinhua) -- China's first domestically made polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, started its maiden voyage to the Antarctic from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen Tuesday.

Xuelong 2 set sail on the country's 36th Antarctic expedition. Another icebreaker named Xuelong will also join the expedition, making it the first time that two polar icebreakers work together on China's Antarctic expedition.

Aerial photo taken on Oct. 15, 2019 shows China's polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, that is to depart at the Shekou cruise home port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

China's polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, departs from the Shekou cruise home port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

China's polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, departs from the Shekou cruise home port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

People wave goodbye as the China's polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, departs from the Shekou cruise home port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Expedition team and crew members wave goodbye as the China's polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, departs from the Shekou cruise home port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

A ceremony is held for the maiden voyage of the China's polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, at the Shekou cruise home port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Expedition team and crew members wave goodbye as the China's polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, departs from the Shekou cruise home port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Aerial photo taken on Oct. 15, 2019 shows China's polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, that is to depart at the Shekou cruise home port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)■