Special Report:Third Manned Space Mission

Chinese taikonauts of the Shenzhou VII space mission, (L-R) Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng pose for a photo during their tour in Hong Kong of south China on Dec. 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)  Photo Gallery>>>

  　HONG KONG, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Three taikonauts, or Chinese astronauts, and other members of the Shenzhou VII manned space mission wrapped up their four-day visit to Hong Kong here Monday and headed for Macao to share the country's glory.

    Among the 34-strong delegation were three taikonauts Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng who jointly carried out China's historic maiden space walk this September with the Shenzhou VII spacecraft, which means "divine vessels" in English.

    At the seeing-off ceremony held at the Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal, Zhang Jianqi, head of the delegation, told the crowds that the delegation had seen themselves the beauty of Hong Kong and felt the love of Hong Kong people for the country's aerospace development.

    "The love and trust you placed on the delegation will further encourage us to devote to our country's aerospace cause wholeheartedly with greater achievements," he added.

    Hundreds of Hong Kong people saw the delegation off at the terminal.

    The delegation, who arrived in Hong Kong Friday, received warm welcome and shared their space experience with the Hong Kong public during their four-day visit to the metropolis.

    During their stay in Hong Kong, the delegation received warm welcome from the society in a series of activities. They shared with tertiary and university students on the launch of Shenzhou VII, space walk technology and China's aerospace science development.

    The taikonauts also unveiled an exhibition on the country's first space walk mission with exhibits of the re-entry capsule, space suits and other equipment used in the mission.

Tung Chee-hwa (3rd R), vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and his wife pose for a group picture with Zhang Jianqi (3rd L), delegation head of the Shenzhou VII manned space mission to Hong Kong and Chinese taikonauts Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng during their meeting in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Zhou Lei) Photo Gallery>>>

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