Chinese naval fleet holds open event in Hong Kong

A fleet of the Chinese Navy which is visiting Hong Kong began to hold open activities on Friday.

The fleet, comprising the amphibious assault ship Hainan (Hull 31) and the guided-missile destroyer Changsha (Hull 173), arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday for a five-day visit.

On Friday, more than 1,000 Hong Kong and Macao residents came to the Hainan ship, the first amphibious assault ship of the Navy, to visit and interact with the crew members.

"We gathered at about 06:00 and set off from Macao. Today is also the first time I have seen a real gun. I have learned a lot. They have trained so hard, I think it is all for the defense of the country. I think they are truly awesome," said a student from Macao.

"Military fans like me are looking forward to our warships visiting Hong Kong. I hope that more will come visit, like the Type 055 destroyer, for example. It would be even better if the Fujian aircraft carrier could come sometime. We are getting stronger and stronger, and the country is getting safer," said a Hong Kong resident.

During the ship open event, one can not only board the deck and view the cabin, but also take the take-off and landing platform and take photos with naval officers and soldiers. The Hainan ship also carries armored vehicles, hovercraft, and helicopters onboard and visitors can get a closer look at the weapons and equipment.

"I feel particularly proud and also feel deep respect (for the navy officers and soldiers). When I saw our soldiers singing 'I love you China' just now, I also felt full of pride. It is because I am Chinese, I am particularly proud," said another visitor.

The open activities including the ship visit, national defense knowledge lectures and cultural exchanges will last until Sunday.

Chinese naval fleet holds open event in Hong Kong

More than 20 films will hit Chinese screens during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday from Saturday to Monday, spanning genres from revolutionary historical dramas, realism movies to suspense thrillers, according to the China Film Administration on Thursday.

Revolutionary historical films such as Blood-Spattered Cliff, Eight Sons, Eight Soldiers, and Half Of The Quilt, will pay tribute to martyrs through the lens.

Three films -- It's OK, Now I Met Her, and Sunshine Women's Choir -- tell moving stories of love, growth, and reconciliation.

It's OK is a contemporary family comedy that follows a mother and daughter navigating their joyful yet turbulent relationship. Now I Met Her tells a rebellious teenager who gets to know his late mother through her old diary. Sunshine Women's Choir, a film from the Taiwan region of China, portrays the "perfect" maternal love of "imperfect mothers."

The suspense film Game of Identity tells the story of two people from different backgrounds who accidentally swap lives, setting off an unexpected adventure. The documentary films Seeking Nature: The Code of Life, and Missions to the Moon (Part One) explore the connection between humanity and science.

Imported films from different countries, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Project Hail Mary, and Hoppers, will deliver spectacular cinematic experiences to audiences.

The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tribute to ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Over 20 films expected to hit Chinese screens during Qingming Festival Holiday