Lunar samples that Chang'e-6 collected from the far side of moon were debuted on November 16, 2024, at the 15th Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province. Photo: VCG

The opening ceremony of a major exhibition showcasing China's achievements in aerospace, aviation, and navigation will be held on Thursday at the Hong Kong Science Museum. The exhibition, which runs from August 1 to September 7, will feature multiple "firsts" for the Hong Kong public, including the simultaneous display of China's Chang'e-5 and -6 lunar samples from the moon's near and far side, seawater samples from 10,000-meter deep-sea exploration, models of the Y-20 large transport aircraft and Chinese aircraft carrier, as well as life-sized deep-sea manned submersible.

By hosting this exhibition, which presents China's cutting-edge technology with significant global influence, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), it is expected to strengthen the sense of national identity among Hong Kong residents, particularly their pride in China's scientific and technological prowess, experts said. This initiative supports Hong Kong's integration into the Greater Bay Area and the nation's broader development strategy, while providing young people in Hong Kong with a valuable opportunity to understand the country's capabilities and strengths.

From August 1 to September 7, the Hong Kong Science Museum will host the "National Development and Achievements Series - Endless Exploration: The Journey of Chinese Aerospace, Aviation and Navigation" exhibition. Co-organized by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the China National Space Administration, this marks the first time Hong Kong will simultaneously display China's achievements in these three fields, media reported. 

The exhibition will, for the first time, display both the lunar soil samples collected by Chang'e-5 from the moon's near side and Chang'e-6 from its far side, according to media reports. 

Other first-time exhibits include the Chang'e-6 return capsule and parachute, seawater samples from 10,000-meter deep-sea exploration, a 1:8 scale model of the Y-20 large transport aircraft with a wingspan of about 6 meters, and models of the "three pearls" of Chinese shipbuilding: aircraft carrier, luxury cruise ship, and the large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. 

Additionally, the museum will showcase large-scale aerospace and maritime models outdoors for the first time, including a 1:5 scale, approximately 12-meter-tall Long March 5 rocket and a life-sized, about 10-meter-long model of the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe (Striver).

Lawrence Tang Fei, a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and vice president of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, told the Global Times on Thursday that this exhibition will inspire Hong Kong's youth by fostering a deep sense of national pride and identity as they witness the nation's technological prowess firsthand. 

"Through close encounters with cutting-edge exhibits like lunar soil samples and return capsules, it will ignite their passion for science, nurture a spirit of exploration and innovation, and lay the foundation for future careers in research. By highlighting the dedication behind these scientific breakthroughs, the exhibition will motivate young people to set ambitious career goals and contribute to the nation's technological advancement," Tang noted. 

Hong Kong boasts unique advantages, including its international outlook, forward-thinking scientific community, and leadership in fields like artificial intelligence. In addition, the city is home to plenty of top-tier universities, and these institutions are well-positioned to play a leading role in China's major scientific projects and even contribute directly to their development, Song Zhongping, a Chinese aerospace and military affairs expert, told the Global Times.

By leveraging its international resources, Hong Kong SAR can bring a global perspective and forward-looking vision to China's strategic goals. Combining these strengths with the mainland's development plans will make China's technological advancements more innovative and globally competitive, Song added. 

By far, Hong Kong's research institutions have been actively involved in major national projects like the Chang'e lunar exploration program, Mars exploration, and the Chinese space station initiative. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is also training taikonauts (payload specialists) to prepare for boarding the Tiangong space station, and in the future, both Hong Kong and Macao SARs will become integral parts of China's astronaut program. 

"These efforts not only foster greater national cohesion but also help Hong Kong residents recognize that, in today's era of intense global technological competition, China is rapidly advancing, growing stronger, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Chinese nation," Song said.