The ashes of Zhang Junqiao, a Chinese medical team leader in Tanzania who died while rescuing a drowning woman, were returned on Wednesday to his hometown of Weifang, Shandong province, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Zhang, 38, drowned on June 15 while trying to save a Tanzanian woman who had fallen into the sea in Dar es Salaam. He managed to lift her to safety, but succumbed before he could return to shore.

Zhang was deputy chief physician in the anesthesiology department at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University and led the 27th Chinese medical aid team to Tanzania.

In January last year, Zhang and his team arrived at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, where they provided anesthesia services and medical training, according to the hospital's website.

After a 14-hour journey from Dar es Salaam to Guangzhou, Guangdong province, and finally to Shandong, Zhang's remains were brought home, Xinhua reported.

At 10:25 am on Wednesday, Zhang's younger brother was the first to step off the plane, holding an urn draped in the Chinese medical team flag. Behind him, Zhang's wife, Zhu Qin, cradled a portrait of her husband.

Supported by her sister, Zhu sat quietly on a sofa, stroking Zhang's face in the photograph.

"We're going home," she whispered, tears streaming down her face, Xinhua reported.

Zhang's final social media post, dated June 8, captured his sense of purpose: "Service to the people knows no boundaries. As a Chinese doctor working abroad, I am proud of my country and my profession, letting Tanzanian colleagues feel the strength of China and Chinese doctors."

On Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun offered condolences to Zhang's family during a news conference and praised Zhang's sacrifice as a symbol of China-Africa cooperation.

"Zhang bravely sacrificed himself to rescue local people, embodying the spirit of friendly cooperation between China and Africa with his life," Guo said. "He upheld the spirit of the Chinese medical team, featuring fearlessness in adversity, willingness to dedicate, saving lives and boundless love."

Guo noted that China has been sending medical teams to Africa since 1963.

"Guided by compassion and expertise, these teams have benefited local communities. The contributions made by these medical teams in Africa will forever be remembered by the people of China and Africa, as well as by history."

In a statement published on the hospital's website, one of Zhang's colleagues and college classmates, Yao Fuwang, described the late doctor's work ethic and outlined his work with patients with stubborn illnesses, the assistance provided to children in need as well as his leadership in medical training sessions.

"He devoted his energy and passion to Africa," Yao said.

Another colleague and nurse, Yin Jinjiao, said, "When it comes to work, to saving lives, he truly put his heart and soul into it. After saving patients during the day, he taught lifesaving skills at night, sparing no effort. He treated public welfare training as his own business and gave it everything he had."

Contact the writers at lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn