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.

Hu Shixiang, head of the delegation and chief commander of the mission, said the weather had suddenly changed for the better on the day the spacecraft was launched, adding: 'Even the gods helped to revitalise the mission.'

Welcoming the guests, Mr Tung said their visit could enhance Hong Kong people's national identity, especially the younger generation.

Colonel Yang will start his public activities today by attending the opening ceremony of the space museum followed by a variety show at the Hong Kong Stadium to meet the public. He will also visit schools and tour the city.

Students who had waited for Colonel Yang at the airport had diverse feelings.

Ten-year-old Lai Hoi-yan, from the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW) Wong Chu Bao School, said: 'I used to want to be a lawyer but now I want to be an astronaut. I think Yang Liwei is very clever because he overcame all difficulties and went into space by himself.'

However, it seemed not everyone at the event was there out of a sense of national pride. Sin Cheung-tat, 17, and two other students, said they had been approached by a private company offering to pay them $150 each to act as part of the welcoming crowd.