Yang Liwei, the national hero who flew China's first manned space mission last week, will pay a four-day visit to Hong Kong from October 31. He will be accompanied by a group of Mainland space scientists and engineers.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa invited the astronaut to visit Hong Kong through President Hu Jintao in Bangkok during the recent APEC meetings.

Mr Tung said while the group are here, the Government will organise a series of activities including an exhibition at the Science Museum, featuring the Shenzhou V rocket's re-entry capsule, the landing parachute, Mr Yang's spacesuit and other items.

The visitors will explain the development of China's space programme and share their personal feelings about this historic mission.

Mr Tung has sent the Secretary for Home Affairs to Beijing to help organise the trip.

"All in all, it's a golden opportunity for the entire Hong Kong community to celebrate together this achievement," Mr Tung said. "I also hope that astronaut Yang will be left with a good impression of Hong Kong."