Xuelong is well supported by a scientific research platform for astronomical observatory at Dome A, which is independently designed, developed and run by Purple Mountain Observatory under Chinese Academy of Sciences and Southeast University, a first in China. With all its advanced systems, the platform is able to provide power for Antarctic astronomical telescope and other observatory equipments. It can also realize real-time monitoring of, remote control over and data communications with the astronomical equipments, which is essential in polar voyages and research expeditions.

　 Xuelong is the re-supply vessel and the scientific research platform of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic research expeditions. It can sail with the maximum speed of 18 knots, and also sail even during the weather of gale with more than 12 B scale. Two helicopters can be carried at the same time.