Beijing expressed its condolences to the family and loved ones of world-renowned scientist Stephen Hawking who passed away on Wednesday.

Hawking, 76, sought to explain the mysteries of the universe and the workings of the cosmos in a language easily understandable to the general public even though he suffered from motor neurone disease. In the early 1960s he was given just two years to live.

"Mr Hawking and his contribution will be remembered forever," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a daily news conference on Wednesday.

He was an outstanding scientist and a fighter who struggled against the disease and contributed greatly to mankind's understanding of science, Lu said.

Hawking visited China for three times, Lu said, adding that he had met with Chinese leaders and communicated with Chinese scientists and enthusiasts.

"Mr Hawking cared about China's development and construction and thought highly of China's scientific progress," he said.

Hawking also admired Chinese culture and insisted on climbing onto the Great Wall with the help of his assistants, he added.