China's first experimental spacecraft, "shenzhou" was transported by train back to Beijing on November 23.

The spacecraft was launched with a new model "Long March" rocket on November 20 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province. It touched down in the central part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on November 21 after completing its scheduled scientific experiments.

The "Shenzhou" is part of the country's manned space flight program, and the successful launch and retrieval marks a major breakthrough for China in manned space flight technology.

The spacecraft was developed and manufactured mainly by the China Research Institute of Carrier Rocket Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the Chinese Research Institute of Space Technology, and Shanghai Research Institute of Astronautical Technology.

Experts say the spacecraft remains intact and the data collected will be helpful in making technological preparations for Chinese astronauts to soon travel in space. (Xinhua)