The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy held open day events in multiple coastal cities around Tuesday to mark the 75th anniversary of its founding.
At the Shougang Pier in Caofeidian District of Tangshan City, north China's Hebei Province on Saturday, the guided missile destroyer Tangshan, making its first return to its hometown since its commissioning, set up several designated areas for visitors to capture memorable moments. Through explanations provided by the crew members, visitors gained knowledge about naval vessels while hearing inspiring stories in the voyages.
In Yantai City of east China's Shandong Province, Type 054A missile frigate Yantai was warmly welcomed by local residents when it returned to the city on April 19.
"I think this frigate is a name card of Yantai. I hope that more people can learn about Yantai, the frigate and our powerful army," said a resident.
Among the visitors, Sun Youjie is a veteran who participated in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the War of Liberation, and the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea.
"I never thought I'd get to sit in a warship of our own and take a picture. I'm so delighted," said Sun.
From April 20 to 24, the public in Qingdao are able to tour the missile destroyers Guiyang and Shijiazhuang, the supply ship Kekexilihu, and the submarine rescue vessel Hongzehu at the pier 3 and the Qingdao International Sailing Center pier.
Most of the vessels have been involved in major missions such as the escort mission in the Gulf of Aden, overseas port visits and joint exercises.
The event in Qingdao has attracted over 50,000 visitors in the past few days. Led by guides, the visitors explored the flight decks, weapon systems, and some other parts of ships, and experienced the work and life of naval officers from up close.
At the Jinyang Pier in Wenzhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province, Type 054 frigate Wenzhou received warm welcome on Sunday. The crew members have prepared a series of activities including damage control drills and firearm experiences to provide visitors with an immersive experience.
"I visited the frigate and participated in the knot tying activity, which is very novel, and I also felt the strength of our country and the development of science and technology," said Chen Xishuo, a student.
"As an honorary citizen of Wenzhou City, I think this is not only an honor, but also a responsibility, which means wherever the frigate sails, I need to win glory for my hometown with my actions," said Li Changzeng, a crew member.
The hospital ship Heping Fangzhou and the missile destroyer Zibo recently arrived in Shanghai and are being docked at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal. They are open to the public from Tuesday to Wednesday. Activities organized by the Eastern Theater Command of the PLA include outdoor light displays, themed flash mob performances, and demonstrations of special naval operations.
In Fuzhou City of east China's Fujian Province, the missile frigate Ziyang and frigate Xuancheng held open day events on Sunday, marking the first time that naval ships have held such an event in Fuzhou. The enthusiasm of local residents was evident as the number of visitors exceeded 10,000.
Another open day event was held on Monday in Guangzhou City of south China's Guangdong Province, where destroyer Guangzhou and frigate Aba met with about 200 officers and soldiers and primary students.
The PLA troops stationed at a support base in Djibouti held an open day event on Sunday local time. Over 100 local primary school students had the opportunity to experience the daily life of the troops in China's first support base overseas.
"This activity is aimed to further demonstrate the open and confident image of the Chinese support base, strengthen the friendship between the two countries, and to lay a solid foundation for future cooperation," said Zhang Zhipeng, a solider.
PLA Navy celebrates 75th founding anniversary with open day events
