The Shenzhou XXI crew, who represented China's 16th manned spaceflight and comprised the 10th group of residents aboard the Tiangong space station, arrived at the orbital outpost on Nov 1. They stayed in space for a total of 210 days and fulfilled three spacewalks, along with several scientific and technological assignments.

Zhang Lu and his teammates handed over control of the space station on Thursday morning to their successors from the Shenzhou XXIII mission, who entered the colossal orbital outpost on Monday.

Shenzhou XXI was Zhang Lu's second space mission and the maiden flight for his two crew members. With a total of seven spacewalks to his credit, Zhang Lu now holds the record among Chinese astronauts, replacing Senior Colonel Chen Dong, who made six through two space missions.