In a country where the government is eager to boost patriotism and national cohesiveness to divert public attention from social problems, Yang will be an easy target for a symbol of dedication towards the country.

Minutes after Yang safely landed in grassland in northern China's Inner Mongolia Thursday following a 21-hour flight in which he orbited the Earth 14 times, Yang, 38, was winning admiration from people across the country.

"He's really cool," said 12-year-old Du Yandong in Beijing.

His classmate Lin Yunfei chimed in: "He's very brave."

The teenagers were among dozens of middle school students marvelling at a life-sized model of China's Shenzhou V spacecraft during a field trip to the China Science and Technology Museum.

Yang's successful journey was seen as success for the country.

"We Chinese are 'very good,'" said Du, using the little English he has learned in school.

Internet chatrooms were buzzing with excitement, with more than 40,000 messages posted on the Chinese portal Sina.com's chatroom just a few hours after Yang and his capsule touched down.

"Welcome back our hero!!!" one Internet writer shouted online.

Described as a "warrior" by Chinese President Hu Jintao during the send-off ceremony Wednesday, Yang was declared a "national hero" by officials Thursday.

"As the very first Chinese to fly in a space craft, I believe Mr Yang Liwei is not only a hero in aerospace technology, but also a national hero," said Xie Mingbao, director of the Office of the China Manned Space Program.

Speaking at a press conference after the successful landing Thursday, Xie recognized the high publicity value Yang holds.

Activities with Yang and the public "will certainly be good for national patriotic fervor," Xie said, when reporters asked when Yang will meet the public.

Yang, despite looking dazed and overwhelmed by the fanfare upon his return, displayed the good citizen attitude that likely played a role in his being selected to be the first person China sends into space.

"The spacecraft operates well. I feel very good and I am proud of my motherland," he said shortly after landing at 6:23 am (2223 GMT Wednesday).

Yang's hometown in Suizhong county, in north China's Liaoning province, wasted no time trying to capitalize on the fame of a local son done good.

The county's communist party committee held a press conference Wednesday and unabashedly asked reporters to promote the county's products, which included white pears, and its tourist attractions, the Liaoshen Evening Post said.

Yang's alma mater, the Suizhong County Number Two High School, has named a class after Yang.

Even Chinese basketball superstar Yao Ming might have to move over for Yang.

"He's China's (Yuri) Gagarin," said Deng Yachao, a curator at the science museum, referring to the first man who went up in space 42 years ago. She has answered many questions about Yang.

"He'll be more famous than Yao Ming. He represents China."

But not everyone was impressed.

"What is there to be proud of? The Americans are taking strolls on the moon. We've just circled the earth a few times," said Wang Changlin, a cab driver.

SPACE.WIRE