Registration for public tours of the nation’s domestically built aircraft carrier CNS Shandong and its escort ships opened Monday in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with the first batches of tickets, released at 10 am and 3 pm, being snapped up within minutes.”

The last remaining batch will be released at 8 pm via the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison’s WeChat account.  

The Shandong, making its first visit to Hong Kong from July 3 to 7, will open for tours on July 5 and 6, allowing visitors to explore designated areas, including its fighter jets and helicopters, and observe training demonstrations.

READ MORE: Naval fleet led by Shandong aircraft carrier to visit Hong Kong

A total of 10,000 slots are available — 2,000 for the Shandong and 8,000 for the guided-missile destroyer CNS Zhanjiang and frigate CNS Yuncheng, which will be docked at Stonecutters Island.

Hong Kong residents can tour the warships, watch helicopter displays, and learn about their advanced weaponry.

Notably, the fleet includes the Type 055 destroyer CNS Yan’an — one of the world’s most advanced warships, capable of launching hypersonic missiles — though it will not be open to the public.

Commissioned in 2019 (hull number 17), the Shandong represents a major advance in China’s naval capabilities.

Compared to its predecessor, CNS Liaoning, it features a more compact control tower, a larger flight deck and hangar, as well as upgraded radar, electronic warfare systems, and weaponry.

This visit makes Hong Kong SAR the only city in the world to host two Chinese aircraft carriers for public tours.

READ MORE: CNS Shandong aircraft carrier participates in military exercises

The last such event was in 2017, when the Liaoning and its escorts docked to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, drawing thousands who queued overnight for tickets.

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com