Delegation of Shenzhou-6 visits Hong Kong (Xinhua) Updated: 2005-11-27 14:52
Chinese astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng and leading engineers of
Shenzhou-6, 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.
China's Shenzhou-6 manned space
mission duo astronauts Fei Junlong (R) and Nie
Haisheng (L) greet local welcoming citizens as they
arrive in Hong Kong with leading engineers of the
space expedition on November 27, 2005.
[Xinhua] | 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The free tickets to the show have been given out days before the event,
according to local reports.
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.
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