Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Hong Kong by special plane at noon Friday to attend the celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the swearing-in ceremony of the fourth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

President Hu arrives in HK for 15th return anniversary.[Photo / Xinhua ]

HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen mounted the special plane to welcome Hu, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

HKSAR Chief Executive-elect Leung Chun-ying and a group of high- ranking officials were also present at the airport to greet Hu.

Upon his arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport, Hu said he hoped to witness the city's latest development and progress and have a better understanding of the citizens' life and expectations.

Hu said the central government is willing to work with the Hong Kong people from all walks of life to draw up the "precious experiences" in carrying out the "one country, two systems" policy over the past 15 years for further development.

A series of activities will be staged during the next few days to mark the anniversary, including a flag-raising ceremony, artistic performances, a fireworks display, carnivals, and parachute jumping performance by the People's Liberation Army 81 Parachute Brigade.