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 morning for a three-day visit and academic exchange at the invitation of Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

Excited screams and applause exploded at the arrival terminal of Hong Kong International Airport as soon as the two astronauts and engineers appeared in front of a waiting crowd, mostly of students.

Six primary students presented the delegation with fresh flowers, while the rest of the crowd lined on both sides of the pass leading the delegation to the parking lot.

Some waved Chinese national flag and flag 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 30-strong delegation is scheduled to attend a variety of show on Sunday afternoon at the Hong Kong Stadium, where they will meet with the public.

During their stay in Hong Kong, they will meet with all circles of life in Hong Kong, attending mass celebrations, giving science presentations and communicating with the public.

Soruce: Xinhua