The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region witnessed a historic display of national pride and naval power as China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, the CNS Shandong, arrived on Thursday, accompanied by a formidable escort fleet.
Officials and welcoming crowds said the fleet's entry — greeted by a ceremonial water salute and cheers from thousands of spectators — showcased the nation's maritime strength and deepened patriotic sentiment among residents.
At around 8 am, the massive carrier, along with three escort ships — the Yan'an(a Type 055 missile destroyer), the Zhanjiang(a Type 052D missile destroyer), and the Yuncheng(a Type 054A missile frigate) — approached Victoria Harbour, attracting enthusiastic crowds along the waterfront.
Standing 20 stories tall with a flight deck spanning the length of two soccer fields, the Shandong displayed 12 carrier-based aircraft and a formation of 700 sailors spelling out the Chinese characters Guo An Jia Hao(secure country, sweet home).
This visit makes Hong Kong the only city in the world to have hosted two active Chinese carriers, following the Liaoning's 2017 visit to mark the 20th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland.
The visit by the Shandong also coincides with the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return; 28 years of the People's Liberation Army's presence in the city; and the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law.
At a welcome ceremony at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu called the timing "inspiring", saying that the Shandong— which was commissioned in 2019 — reflects the nation's rapid advancements in defense technology and maritime power.
With the visit coming ahead of 80th anniversary of China's victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), Lee said it also highlights the nation's wartime resilience and today's hard-won prosperity and stability.
The fleet's five-day visit follows July 1 celebrations of the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997.
On social media, residents eagerly shared viewing tips as the fleet passed through the scenic East Lamma Channel before docking.
The PLA Hong Kong Garrison distributed 10,000 free tour tickets — 2,000 for Saturday tours of the Shandong near Victoria Harbour, and the rest for Sunday visits to the Zhanjiang and Yuncheng at Stonecutters Island.
Additionally, Hong Kong students will enjoy a special tour on Friday morning.
Lee said the tours offer an immersive experience to learn about national defense and strengthen patriotic identity.
Named after the East China province, the Shandong ushered in China's "dual-carrier era", joining the Liaoning, which was commissioned into the PLA Navy in 2012.
The escort fleet highlights China's shipbuilding prowess — such as the Yan'an, featuring stealth and hypersonic missile capabilities, although that vessel was not open to public visits this time.
A deck reception was held on Thursday night, attended by Hong Kong and Macao community leaders.
Captain Wu Kang, overseeing the visit, called the fleet a "fully equipped, highly capable and visually impressive" naval force which has sailed vast oceans.
He said that during their stay, naval officers will engage in soccer and tug-of-war matches, and cultural exchanges with the Hong Kong Garrison and SAR government disciplinary forces, which include the police and fire services.
Hundreds of Hong Kong students, educators and local legislators — waving national and SAR flags — gathered at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on Thursday to welcome the fleet.
Among the crowd was Jin Ling, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Island Women's Association and a district councilor, who drew a connection between the event and her community work.
"Every household represents a microcosm of our nation, and countless families together form our great country," she said, emphasizing the role of women in nurturing national identity through family values.
The visit coincides with the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law, a milestone highlighted by Kwun Tong District Councilor Alan Yu Siu-lun. He described the occasion as a reminder of the motherland's expectations for Hong Kong.
Yu said that with its stability restored after the 2019 social unrest, Hong Kong is in a better position to contribute to national development. "Safeguarding national security is everyone's duty — it requires commitment from every individual."
For educators like Wan Yu-pui, a local high school teacher, the Shandong's presence reinforces the importance of national security education, which has gained prominence in Hong Kong's schools in recent years.
"This visit creates an emotional connection, strengthening patriotic sentiment and national identity in a way textbooks alone cannot," he said. "Seeing the Shandong up close shows our students just how far our nation has advanced."
The event left a deep impression on students, including Du Pui-lui from HKFEW Wong Cho Bau Secondary School, who admired the naval officers' discipline as they stood at attention under the scorching sun.
"Reading about these advanced ships is one thing, but witnessing them in person truly underscores our nation's military strength," he said.