Abstract: Since 1999 China has implemented four Arctic expeditions on the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, Canada Basin, and Makarov Basin. Global change has been causing the declining of sea ice coverage in the Arctic Ocean in summer, leading to the opening of Northeast and Northwest Passages at the same time. The Arctic shelf seas where the Passages located, is not only the area with most significant sea ice changes, but also with the most significant land-ocean interaction. It has significant impact on the Arctic regional climate, ecosystems and biodiversity, and the local economy and indigenous people. This study summaries the scientific investigations in the main area of the Passages in recent years, provides the comments of Chinese Arctic cruises in the Passage area in the future according to the viewpoint of the scientific researches.

Key words: Arctic passage, expedition, research, progress