China´s space hero - Yang Liwei welcomed to Beijing

cctv.com 10-16-2003 13:31

China's first astronaut Yang Liwei arrived in Beijing by a special plane at around 10 o'clock Thursday morning. This followed his safe return to the module landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Yang Liwei was greeted by the Chinese Defense Minister and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Cao Gangchuan and other officials at a military airport in west Beijing.

Extending a warm welcome to the space hero, Cao Gangchuan said the successful manned space flight marks the realization of the long-cherished dream of the Chinese nation to explore outer space.

It has shown the world the great creativity and diligence of the Chinese people in surmounting the peaks in the field of science and technology. Cao Gangchuan said the successful flight by Yang Liwei symbolizes the glory and pride of the Chinese nation and its people.

Following the end of the welcoming ceremony, Yang Liwei was transferred to an apartment building for astronauts at the Beijing Aerospace Town, where he also received a warm welcome. He will stay there for some time to receive close monitoring from Chinese medical experts.

Editor:Su  Source:CCTV.com