HONG KONG, Nov. 27(Xinhuanet)-- Visiting astronauts and leading engineers of China's second manned space mission were overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of Hong Kong compatriots here on Sunday afternoon.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR) Government's invitation and the locals' hospitality to the Delegation of Shenzhou-VI expressed Hong Kong people's attention to the development of China's aerospace technology, said Hu Shixiang,head of the delegation and deputy chief commander of China's manned spaceflight project.

Hu made the speech in front of a gathering of 40,000 people at Hong Kong Stadium, where the two astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng joined local pop stars for a variety show.

The warm welcome and attention given to the delegation also showed Hong Kong people's best wishes for prosperity of the motherland, added Hu.

Hu conveyed greetings of President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders including top lawmaker Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao to Hong Kong people.

Arriving here on Sunday morning, the Delegation of Shenzhou-VInamed after the capsule of the manned space mission, received warmwelcome from locals, who waited outside the airport with flowersand national and HKSAR flags.

The delegation is scheduled to meet with people from all walksof life during three days' stay here, giving science presentationsand communicating with the public.

The successful mission of Shenzhou-VI in mid-October fulfilled the Chinese nation's aerospace dreams and the delegation's visit will enable local youth to learn the spirit of perseverance from the scientists and astronauts, said HKSAR Executive Chief Donald Tsang.

Tsang attended the variety show and made the speech there.Enditem