Delegations from outside Beijing have come either by plane or train, said officials in charge of reception and registration. The first delegation flew in the Chinese capital from central China's Hunan Province on Tuesday morning and the delegation from southwest China's Sichuan Province was the last to come.

The delegations received red carpet welcome at the airports and train stations, while hotel workers at their respective accommodation venues greeted them with flower bouquets and even brass band performance, sources said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 6, 2002)