Chinese astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng and leading
engineers of Shenzhou
VI, China's second manned space mission, arrived in Hong Kong
on Sunday for a three-day visit and academic exchange at the
invitation of Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang.
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Excited screams and applause exploded at the arrival terminal of
Hong Kong International Airport as soon as the two astronauts in
blue jumpsuits appeared in front of a waiting crowd.
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Six primary students presented the delegation with fresh flowers,
while more than 500 people, mostly students, formed long lines on
both sides of the pass of the delegation.
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Some waved Chinese nation flag and that of Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR), some pushed forward to have a closer
look of the two astronauts.
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The welcome ceremony lasted about five minutes, ending when the
delegation, accompanied by HKSAR Financial Secretary Henry Tang,
disappeared at the entrance of the parking lot.
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The visit has heated up Hong Kong people's interests in space
knowledge, especially the youngsters' curiosity about aerospace
technology and Chinese development in this sector, commented local
newspaper.
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To express Hong Kong people's hospitality to the delegation, the
HKSAR government set up billboards, hung colorful flags and pasted
large-size posters at some 20 sites around the city.
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A variety of show by Hong Kong's artists and celebrities is
organized on Sunday afternoon to welcome the 30-strong delegation,
which will meet with the public at the show venue of Hong Kong
Stadium.
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The free tickets to the show have been given out days before the
event, according to local reports.
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Besides the show, the delegation is scheduled to meet with all
circles of life during their stay in Hong Kong, giving science
presentations and communicating with the public.
(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2005)