China's Shenzhou-13 astronauts, or taikonauts currently in the country's space station, held a video chat with youths in Beijing and Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions on Saturday afternoon.

Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu, China's first astronauts to celebrate the New Year in outer space, sent their New Year greetings and answered questions from university students located in three different cities.

The three crew members started their odyssey to China's space station on October 16, 2021, for a six-month mission. Up in space, they will also celebrate the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year – Spring Festival, which falls on February 1 this year.

In reply to students' questions, the taikonauts gave crucial tips for pursuing their space dreams, life and work in space, including maintaining good physical and mental conditions and dealing with expected situations.

They also showcased children's paintings in the space station for the first time.

Click here for CGTN's live coverage of the event.