Acclaimed scientist Stephen Hawking arrived in Beijing on Saturday ahead of a series of lectures this week.

Hawking will attend the 2006 Strings Conference, a high-end mathematics forum organized by the Morningside Centre of Mathematics affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This is his third visit to the city.

Before the forum, he will give his lecture entitled "The Origin of the Universe" at the Great Hall of the People this morning.

However, before the serious business starts, the 64-year-old scientist yesterday enjoyed a tour around Beijing's Temple of Heaven, accompanied by his 8-person group from UK's Cambridge University.

Hawking, who is wheelchair bound and unable to speak due to muscle atrophy, communicated briefly to reporters through his famous electronic voice machine as he approached the temple.

"Fabulous! I like you!" he exclaimed, before turning the tables on his questioners and asking: "So what do you think of the temple?"

Zhao Qihui, Hawking's medical assistant, had high hopes for the coming week due to the scientist's strong-willed nature.

"I'm confident everything will go well with all the lectures next week, despite his physical condition."

Besides delivering his most popular lecture on the universe, China Daily has learned Hawking is to unveil a new paper, entitled "Semi-Classical Birth of the Universe," with research fellows in Beijing.

Wu Zhongchao, a PHD student under Hawking, said the scientist's visit is aimed at enhancing local children's enthusiasm for elementary science.

Hong Kong media reported that Hawking's seminal book "The Brief History of Time" sold out last week while the scientist was in town.

"Professor Hawking has long cared about the development of science in China and social issues as well he agreed to the tour happily on receiving the invitation letter," said Judith Croasdell, his personal assistant.

(China Daily 06/19/2006 page2)