China's first spaceman, Yang Liwei, arrived in Hong Kong yesterday to a rapturous welcome by hundreds of fans.
Colonel Yang, and a 25-strong delegation of top aerospace scientists, touched down at Chek Lap Kok airport shortly after 5.30pm for a six-day visit, during which he will give public lectures and attend a number of functions.
Dressed in a dark blue space-training suit, the smiling colonel waved to hundreds of people who had waited hours for a glimpse of their hero.
He accepted flowers before being whisked off to Government House for a reception hosted by Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa.
Addressing about 400 guests, including legislators, lawmakers and educators, Colonel Yang said: 'I want to express my gratitude for the cordial welcome given to me by the Hong Kong people and the administration of the Tung government.'
He expressed gratitude for being chosen as China's first spaceman, but said there were many people who had worked to make the mission a success. Many guests at the venue were impressed by his modesty and the video recording he showed of his life while in space.
Colonel Yang acted as narrator and recounted how he had managed daily activities such as eating in zero-gravity.