(ECNS) -- China's first self-developed polar icebreaker Xuelong 2 received a warm welcome upon its arrival in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Monday.

This marks the first time in 20 years since its predecessor, icebreaker "Xuelong" (Snow Dragon), stopped in Hong Kong in 2004.

A large fleet of official and civilian ships, set sail for the Victoria Harbour at 10:30 a.m. to welcome the icebreaker amid the sounds of the Suona horn.

The enthusiastic vibe extended to the city center, with eight double-deck buses welcoming the huge vessel covered in various signs.

China's first self-developed polar icebreaker Xuelong 2 arrives in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, April 8, 2024. (Photo/China News Service)