Hong Kong residents have praised the first domestically built aircraft carrier, the CNS Shandong, describing their exceptional tours aboard the warship as an eye-opening experience that boosted their sense of national pride.

The landmark event, led by the Shandong, was part of a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet demonstration that showcased the nation’s military might and strengthened ties between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. The event makes Hong Kong the first city in the country to have hosted two active national aircraft carriers, the other being a visit by the CNS Liaoning in 2017.

The event coincided with the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, and 28 years of the PLA’s presence in the city.

Over 20,000 residents visited the fleet — which also includes the Type 055 destroyer Yan’an, Type 052D destroyer Zhanjiang, and Type 054A frigate Yuncheng — during its five-day stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The fleet is set to depart on Monday morning after an official farewell ceremony, with many locals expected to gather at the seashore to see it off, much like the warm welcome upon its arrival.

Among the visitors, 2,000 lucky individuals secured tickets through an online registration system for a rare public tour of the Shandong, a 300-meter-long marvel of Chinese naval engineering, over the weekend.

As the first group of military enthusiasts approached on a ferry at 9 am, they eagerly pulled out their cellphones to take snapshots of the Shandong against the iconic backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

“This is truly remarkable,” said Kong Kin-chung, a 70-year-old retired Hong Kong police officer. He described the Shandong as a “powerful symbol” of China’s growing national strength after witnessing the warship and its impressive arsenal.

Kong said he was particularly impressed by the PLA sailors’ hospitality, contrasting it with the demeanor of stationed British soldiers before Hong Kong returned to the motherland in 1997. “The PLA personnel are courteous and welcoming,” he said.

He also voiced support for the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law, which has been implemented in the city for five years. He credited it with restoring stability to the city following the 2019 black-clad violence, which he blamed on “educational shortcomings”. “It pained me seeing young people destroying their own city. The law will help reform our education system and strengthen national identity among the youth,” he added.

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Yam Wang-tik, a sixth-grade student from Pui Ching Primary School who toured the Shandong with his grandfather, was similarly moved. Initially expecting a formal and stern environment, he found the sailors “hospitable” and the aircraft “majestic”.

Yam said the carrier and its warplanes, particularly the J-15 fighter jets, exceeded his expectations. “It’s an eye-opener. They’re far bigger compared to what’s seen in news programs,” he said.

Inspired by the visit, he added, “I might do further research on the other weapons I saw today when I get home.”

Engaging tour

Upon boarding the Shandong, visitors were greeted with interactive displays where camouflage-clad PLA navy personnel demonstrated weapon systems and navigational equipment.

The guests were then guided to an elevator that whisked them up to the carrier’s sprawling flight deck, which stretches across an area equivalent to two soccer fields.

On the deck, 14 carrier-based aircraft — including sleek J-15 fighter jets, carrier-based helicopters, and formidable antisubmarine warfare aircraft — were arranged in formation, drawing gasps of awe from the crowd.

Visitors eagerly snapped photos, marveling at the sheer scale and sophistication of the war machines. Among them was Tom Pang Lok-sang, a music teacher from Macao, who boarded the ships with members of his family.

Describing the shift from swaying on the ferry to standing on the vast flight deck, Pang said: “The transition was so smooth. One moment we’re swaying on the waves, the next we were standing on what felt like solid ground. That’s when I truly grasped the carrier’s enormous size.”

Pang praised the rare opportunity to see the nation’s advanced military technology up close. “This display demonstrates our nation’s growing confidence. Seeing these capabilities first-hand reassures residents that China can effectively defend itself and maintain peace,” he said.

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Lam Tse-shong, a Hong Kong entrepreneur with extensive business ties with the mainland, called his first visit to a Chinese naval vessel an “eye-opening experience”.

“I am truly impressed by our nation’s military advancements,” he said.

Lam said that personal interactions with PLA soldiers changed his perceptions. “On television, they appear so solemn. But, in reality, they’ve shown us nothing but kindness,” he said.

Reflecting on the message Guo An Jia Hao — which means “secure country, sweet home” — spelled out by 700 sailors on the Shandong’s deck as they entered Hong Kong, Lam said that without a strong nation, there can be no secure home, adding that Hong Kong will always be able to rely on the motherland.

PLA officer Zhou Miaoying expressed particular delight at interacting with young visitors. “In my regular duties, I rarely get to engage with children. Seeing their excitement today has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Zhou described how Hong Kong visitors frequently asked to take photos with her. “They kept praising how nice my uniform looks, and I absolutely adore hearing their Cantonese accent,” she said.

Zhou said she intends to explore Hong Kong during her shore leave, with plans to enjoy local cuisine in Mong Kok, and take in the city’s iconic skyline from The Peak.

An additional 8,000 free tickets were allocated for tours of the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng, docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison’s Ngong Shuen Chau naval base on Stonecutters Island. Visitors can board these vessels for guided tours, be briefed on their high-end armaments, and take photos with the Z-9 helicopters stationed on deck.

The Yan’an, one of the world’s most advanced warships featuring stealth and hypersonic missile capabilities, will not be open to the public during this visit.

The navy fleet visit sparked citywide enthusiasm, extending beyond ticket holders. Many residents gathered around Victoria Harbour, where the Shandong was anchored, at areas like Tsing Yi and the Disney resort pier. Some hiked to nearby peaks with telescopes and cameras, while others boarded cross-harbor ferries to catch a distant glimpse of the warship.

The open house weekend followed Thursday’s welcoming ceremony and Friday’s inclusive tour for students. On Thursday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu visited the Shandong, reviewed the honor guard, and attended a briefing on board. He praised the PLA as a “mighty and civilized force”, commending their professionalism and dedication.

READ MORE: Hong Kong students get exclusive preview of Shandong carrier

During their stay, the navy crew engaged in exchanges with the PLA Hong Kong Garrison and local disciplinary forces, including police and fire services, participating in soccer matches, tug-of-war competitions and cultural exchanges.