China’s first domestically-built aircraft carrier Shandong will visit Hong Kong from Jul. 3-7 with three escort vessels, offering public tours for the first time to Hong Kong residents, China’s Xinhua News Agency reported Jun. 28.
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The naval fleet, approved by the Central Military Commission, includes the aircraft carrier Shandong, Type 055 destroyer Yan’an, Type 052D destroyer Zhanjiang, and Type 054A frigate Yuncheng. Public access to the vessels will be available Jul. 5-6, with 10,000 tickets distributed through the official WeChat account of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.
The Shandong, hull number 17, represents China’s most advanced naval capability as the country’s second aircraft carrier overall and first built entirely in China. The 60,000-ton vessel entered service in December 2019 and carries up to 36 aircraft including J-15 fighter jets and various helicopters.
Hong Kong residents will be able to view designated areas of the Shandong including fighter jets, helicopters, and naval weapons systems, along with training demonstrations. The carrier tour requires shuttle boat transportation from Central Pier No. 1 to West Anchorage No. 2, with boats departing every 30 minutes from 8:20 AM to 1:20 PM.
Tours of the warships Zhanjiang and Yuncheng will take place at Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base, where visitors can access the ships directly and view onboard helicopters and weapons equipment. The garrison’s Exhibition Center will also be open during these tours.
Safety restrictions limit aircraft carrier access for children 11 and under, pregnant women, and mobility-impaired individuals due to narrow passages and climbing requirements. Minors aged 12-17 must be accompanied by guardians. Children visiting the destroyers and frigate must also have guardian supervision if under 12.
Ticket reservations begin Jun. 30 at 10 AM, 3 PM, and 8 PM daily through the “Xiangjiang Lijian” WeChat account. The Shandong tour offers 2,000 tickets while destroyer and frigate tours provide 8,000 tickets. All visitors must present valid identification and undergo security screening.
The visit aims to provide Hong Kong residents direct understanding of China’s national defense and military development through cultural exchange activities. The Shandong features improvements over China’s first carrier Liaoning, including a more compact island superstructure and redesigned flight deck that accommodates more aircraft and higher sortie rates.
The Type 002 design vessel was developed from Soviet Kuznetsov-class blueprints and experience from converting the Ukrainian Varyag. At 305 meters long with a 12-degree ski-jump deck, it operates J-15 fighters, electronic warfare aircraft, early warning helicopters, anti-submarine helicopters, and search and rescue aircraft.
Media coverage will be restricted to invited press only. Weather conditions could affect scheduled activities, with alternative arrangements announced if severe weather prevents planned events.
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