As if on cue, at around 9 am on Saturday — the first of two open days — military enthusiasts pulled out their phones and began photographing the Shandong, China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, as their ferries approached the carrier, outlined against the city’s iconic Victoria Harbour.
They were among the 2,000 lucky ones to get tickets for a public tour of the colossal warship — stretching over 300 meters in length — and its escort ships, which are in Hong Kong for a five-day visit that started on Thursday.
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A total of 10,000 free tickets were up for grab for tours slated for today and Sunday, with 2,000 allocated to those visiting the Shandong and 8,000 to those opting for tours of the Zhanjiang and Yuncheng at the PLA’s Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base on Stonecutters Island.
Upon boarding the Shandong, visitors ascended via an elevator to the carrier’s expansive flight deck, comparable in size to two soccer fields — where 14 meticulously arranged carrier-based aircraft stood on display.
The impressive lineup included J-15 fighter jets, carrier-based helicopters, and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.
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Nearby, white-uniformed People’s Liberation Army Navy personnel conducted live demonstrations of weapons and navigational equipment.
The public tour marks a highlight of the Shandong’s five-day visit, which includes three escort ships: the Yan’an (Type 055 destroyer), Zhanjiang (Type 052D destroyer), and Yuncheng (Type 054A frigate).
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During their stay, the navy fleet crew will participate in soccer matches, tug-of-war competitions, and cultural exchanges with the PLA Hong Kong Garrison and Hong Kong disciplinary forces, including the police and fire services.
The historic visit concludes on Monday with a 10 am farewell ceremony at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, at which Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will deliver some remarks.
Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com
