(Yicai Global) Jan. 8 -- Xuelong, the ship that carried scientists on China's 34th Antarctic survey, finished its operations in Prydz Bay, Antarctica on Jan. 6 and headed for Enksburg Island, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

When the boat gets to the Island, the team will make preliminary preparations for the construction of China's fifth Antarctic expedition station, Captain Luo Guangfu said.

The vessel will continue to conduct oceanographic surveys along the way, investigating marine environments, artificial nuclides, micro-plastics and marine ecology, Luo said.

Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, carried out studies in Prydz Bay after leaving Zhongshan Station in Antarctica.

Oceanographic equipment in Prydz Bay will facilitate long-term observations of temperature, salinity and currents, providing a better understanding of the relationship between the ocean and glaciers in the Antarctic and their impact on the global climate and environment, said Guo Guijun from the State Oceanic Administration's First Institute of Oceanography.