China's first astronaut took in the famous "spaces" of Hong Kong Sunday - cruising Victoria Harbour, touring Tsing Ma Bridge and sightseeing atop the Bank of China Tower.

Yang Liwei, dressed casually in black instead of his signature blue astronaut jumpsuit, said he did not feel tired after a hectic day of visits.

Arriving at Tsing Ma Bridge in the early afternoon, he was briefed on the structure and then undertook a guided tour of the bridge.

Yang described Tsing Ma Bridge as magnificent - adding that the mainland too has equally impressive bridges.

The space hero began a day of visits during a sightseeing cruise across Victoria Harbour, cheered by onlookers and citizens waiting to catch a glimpse of the national hero at the ferry pier.

Taking in the sights of the harbour on the ferry, he obliged photographers by posing with distinguished guests and greeted reporters warmly.

The astronaut was accompanied on the cruise by international movie star Jackie Chan, chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board Selina Chow and other members of the government.

Yang told reporters he was captivated by the beauty of the harbour, and said his visit to Hong Kong has given him fond memories. He further praised the city after disembarking from the ferry.

After a tour of the harbour, he once again received a rapturous welcome at a ferry pier in central district, and proceeded with his delegation to the Bank of China (HK) building.

Yang accepted a donation of HK$500,000 from the bank to further the cause of China's space-travel research, and took a lift to the top of the building to catch an aerial view of the city's financial district.

He then attended a luncheon organized by a women's group before a busy afternoon of sightseeing.

Yang is scheduled to attend seminars today to discuss China's aerospace development with a variety of Hongkongers - from academics to students.

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