Tickets sell out fast for tours of aircraft carrier in HK

Public registration for tours of the domestically built aircraft carrier CNS Shandong and its escort ships opened on Monday in Hong Kong, with all tickets made available on that day claimed within minutes.

Local leaders said the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong, scheduled from July 3 to 7, offers residents a "living classroom of patriotism "while showcasing national industrial strength. The carrier will be open for public tours on Saturday and Sunday, with visitors able to view its fighter jets and helicopters and watch training demonstrations.

Hong Kong will become the only city in the world to have hosted public tours of two Chinese aircraft carriers.

A total of 10,000 free tickets have been made available — 2,000 for the Shandong and 8,000 for tours of the guided-missile destroyer Zhanjiang and frigate Yuncheng, which will dock at Stonecutters Island. Tickets are being distributed in time slots through Saturday via the WeChat account of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison.

The first batch of tickets was released in three rounds on Monday at 10 am, 3 pm and 8 pm, with all reservations filled within minutes. Additional tickets will be available on Tuesday on the garrison's WeChat channel at the same time.

Gordon Lam Chi-wing, a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress, called the Shandong, which was fully built and equipped domestically, a technological symbol that surpasses the CNS Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier. He highlighted its expanded hangar, advanced radar and next-generation J-15T/D fighter jets as evidence of the nation's manufacturing capabilities.

Lam recalled that 2,000 tickets to visit the Liaoning were claimed within three hours during its 2017 visit to Hong Kong. This year, tickets for the Shandong were snapped up even faster, showing "undimmed local interest" in the country's naval fleet, he said.

"For the younger generation, this is not just a warship; it is the embodiment of the nation's high-intelligence manufacturing, which boosts their recognition of China's technological prowess," Lam said.

The visit coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Lam said, adding that the carrier fleet also serves as a "security anchor" for the city's prosperity.

"To residents, this isn't just a warship visit; it's a living classroom of patriotism," said Wong Shu-ming, a district councilor in Yau Tsim Mong. Wong, who secured a ticket, said many residents have inquired about the tours, eager to see the nation's technological achievements firsthand.

She plans to hold community and school sharing sessions after her visit to extend the educational value of the event to those unable to board the vessel.

The visiting fleet includes the Type 055 destroyer 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, the Shandong represents a major advancement in China's naval capabilities. Compared with the Liaoning, it has a more compact control tower, larger flight deck and hangar, and upgraded radar, electronic warfare systems and weapons.

The last such event took place in 2017, when the Liaoning and its escorts visited Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of the city's return to China, drawing thousands of residents who queued overnight for tickets.

Huang Yawen contributed to this story.

lilei@chinadailyhk.com