Jiaolong – China’s pioneering, home-made 7,000-meter-deep manned submersible – is in Hong Kong on its first visit to the fragrant harbor along with its mother ship, research vessel Shenhai Yihao (Deep Sea No 1), docking at Tsim Sha Tsui on Tuesday morning.

The visit also marks the return of the nation’s deep-sea ocean exploration vessel to the special administrative region following that of the expedition ship, Dayang No 1, some 18 years ago.

Jiaolong and its mother ship will stay in Hong Kong waters until Wednesday.

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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology hosted a ceremony on Tuesday morning to welcome the vessels and celebrate the successful completion of their first State-backed international deep-sea scientific research cruise in the western Pacific, that started last month.

Since the joint international voyage began on Aug 10, Jiaolong, with marine scientists from nine countries and the HKSAR on board, has completed 18 dives in three areas of the western Pacific Ocean during a 45-day investigation. It was also the first time Jiaolong had foreign scientists aboard.

To mark Jiaolong’s visit on the return voyage, the HKUST will host various activities this week, including science talks, academic seminars, and round-table forums.

Tuesday’s welcoming ceremony, which was attended by prominent political figures, offered local primary and secondary school students a chance to board the vessels and explore them.

Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said as Hong Kong celebrates the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Jiaolong’s visit not only signifies the nation’s advancements in deep-sea technology, but also underlines the central government’s dedication to supporting marine scientific research, development, and ecological conservation endeavors in the SAR.

He said this occasion offers a unique opportunity for all sectors in the community to enhance their knowledge of marine science, and hopes it’ll inspire more young people in the city to delve into deep-sea research, and actively participate in international deep-sea science projects.

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Director-General of China Deep Ocean Affairs Administration Wu Changbin said Jiaolong’ international research cruise attracted the participation of scientists from five continents. The voyage demonstrated the collaborative development and sharing of accomplishments in deep-sea exploration between China and the global community, he said.

HKUST President Nancy Chu Ip Yuk-yu noted that, in recent years, the Chinese mainland has offered opportunities for Hong Kong scientists to engage in various large-scale national scientific research projects, providing them with a valuable platform and enriching experience.

A Secondary One student, surnamed Cheung, who visited the ship, said Jiaolong is the nation’s first manned submersible capable of diving up to 7,000 meters, and the opportunity to see such a significant national machine is rare. “I’m happy being able to tour the vessel,” he said.

Another student, surnamed Siu, said he’s proud of the SAR hosting the country’s cutting-edge technology.

He felt honored boarding the ship to get such a unique and invaluable experience.