Tang Yijun, deputy secretary of Zhejiang province, extended a warm welcome to a youth group from Hong Kong at an official reception to kick-start a 6-day exchange visit to Zhejiang province.

The visit is part of the 20th anniversary celebrations to mark the return of Hong Kong to the mainland.

"Holding such exchange activities can help the youth in Hong Kong to know more about the long history and rich culture of the mainland, experience the developmental achievements and folk culture in Zhejiang and be part of closer ties between Hong Kong and the mainland." Tang stressed the significance of the visit.

The visiting group, made up of 240 Hong Kong youth, visited three museums featuring Ningbo's history, a book collection and entrepreneurship after the welcome ceremony.

The youngsters were amazed to learn that many Hong Kong celebrities were serial entrepreneurs in Ningbo before hitting the spotlight.

The group will visit Hangzhou Bay new district and its surrounding counties on August 2 and 3.

Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai, member of the standing committee of the National People's Congress, shakes hands with Hong Kong youth to welcome them before taking a group photo. [Photo/ China Daily]

Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai and four Hong Kong youth representatives take a group photo at the welcome reception on August 1. [Photo/ China Daily]