The first exhibition to comprehensively showcase the country’s achievements in aerospace, aviation and navigation will open at the Hong Kong Science Museum on Friday, featuring lunar soil samples collected by Chang’e missions and other rare exhibits related to space and deep-sea exploration.

Running through Sept 7, the exhibition will also highlight the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s contributions to national scientific projects, with lectures by Chinese mainland aviation, aerospace and maritime experts to give visitors a better understanding of the country’s technological achievements, a news conference was told on Thursday.

Titled “Endless Exploration: The Journey of Chinese Aerospace, Aviation and Navigation”, many exhibits will be displayed in Hong Kong for the first time, including a joint display of the lunar soil samples collected by Chang’e 5 and Chang’e 6.

READ MORE: Nation’s space journey exhibition to be staged in Hong Kong

Also among the rare items are the returner and parachute used by Chang’e 6, the seawater sample retrieved from 10,000 meters beneath the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean, models of the Shandong aircraft carrier and the Mengxiang ocean drilling vessel.

Outdoor installations highlight China’s engineering prowess, with a 12-meter-tall, 1:5 model of the Long March 5 carrier rocket and a full-size Fendouzhe full-ocean-depth manned submersible.

Large models of aircraft and helicopters, including the J-20 stealth fighter, the Y-20 heavy lifter and the Z-20 utility helicopter, await visitors during the exhibition.

A series of science lectures, delivered by six leading mainland experts including Yin Zeyong, an aero engine expert, and Zhang Yuhua, deputy commander of the Lunar Exploration Phase III Probe System, will take place during the exhibition.

The lectures — tailored for students from upper primary to university levels — will cover topics such as aerospace technology, aviation engines, and the journey of the Chang’e 6 mission. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Through this exhibition and the series of lectures, we hope that Hong Kong residents can experience first-hand the nation’s remarkable achievements in technological innovation,” Li Yang, deputy director of the China National Space Administration’s (CNSA) News Center, said at the news conference.

“Our goal is to inspire the public, especially young people, to develop a passion for science and to help more Hong Kong youths understand aerospace, aviation and navigation, ultimately boosting Hong Kong’s capacity for technological innovation.”

Li Guoping, chief engineer of CNSA, said that China’s progress in the space, aviation and maritime fields relies on continuous innovation, with the Hong Kong SAR playing an important role.

READ MORE: HK can play role to commercialize technology used in space

“We hope to leverage Hong Kong SAR’s unique strengths and encourage its scientific community to actively participate in major national projects, sharing in the achievements of technological progress and contributing to the prosperity of the nation and Hong Kong,” Li said.

Also at the event, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said that the exhibition showcases the country’s scientific achievements, fosters patriotism, and allows Hong Kong residents to truly feel the nation’s strength and remarkable accomplishments.

The exhibition is jointly presented by the Hong Kong SAR government and CNSA.

Sun Yu, vice-chairman and chief executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong), the sole sponsor of the event, said, “We are honored to sponsor this Aerospace, Aviation and Maritime exhibition. This demonstrates our tangible commitment to supporting scientific and technological innovation through financial services. This initiative exemplifies BOCHK’s dedication to serving national strategies and facilitating Hong Kong’s integration into the country’s overall development.”

He said he hopes the exhibition will inspire more local residents, especially young people, to appreciate the nation's remarkable achievements in science and technology, strengthen their sense of national pride and patriotism, and be encouraged to pursue careers in technological innovation.

Huang Yawen contributed to the story.