Chinese astronauts took centre stage on Friday at state television's annual glitzy, kitsch and often much derided marathon show welcoming in the lunar new year, but for many viewers a performing donkey was the star. Backed by a large Chinese flag, 11 Chinese astronauts stepped forward on the main stage to introduce themselves and place their hands in clay moulds which will displayed at a museum. "Our space flight ranks are increasingly growing in strength," said Yang Liwei, China's first man in space. Among the handpicked studio guests, five old revolutionaries who fought in China's civil war in the 1930s were given a warm welcome. "When that donkey came on, bowing his head and shaking hands, it really lit up the programme.

Source: dna January 28, 2017 03:58 UTC