Chinese PLA Navy hosts open day events on record scale to celebrate its 77th anniversary

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is opening over 40 active-duty vessels to the public around Thursday, which marks its 77th founding anniversary.

Both the total number and the variety of active-duty warships open to the public during this year's anniversary celebrations are the highest in history.

The events will be held in over ten cities across the country, including Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Guangzhou and Sanya.

Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province is displaying six warships to the public -- the most among all cities involved in the celebrations -- from Wednesday to Sunday, including a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, a Type 054A guided-missile frigate, ocean-going rescue ships, and comprehensive replenishment ships.

The event marks the public debut of the Type-054A guided missile frigate Wuhu.

"In addition to the regular tour route, we have set up a dedicated message wall and a photo spot at the stern for the visitors. Besides, we are exhibiting Wuhu's unique characteristics, such as the city's mascot Jiubao and iron paintings, a municipal intangible cultural heritage," said Cheng Jinyang, an officer on the frigate.

In Shanghai, the open day events are taking place simultaneously at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal from Tuesday to Saturday.

On display at the two docks are the guided-missile destroyer Suzhou, the amphibious dock landing ship Yimengshan, the guided-missile frigate Fuyang, and the comprehensive replenishment ship Qiandaohu.

The Lyushun military port in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province will join the celebrations for the first time this weekend.

Currently, the ocean-going training ship Zheng He, the Type-054A guided missile frigate Ordos, and the mine countermeasures ship Qingzhou, all docked at the naval port, are dressed overall for the occasion.

"We have also carefully designed a series of activities, including a national defense knowledge quiz, themed ship displays, simulated firearms shooting, and exhibition and experiencing of protective gear, so that visitors can see up close the achievements of naval development and further enhance their national defense awareness and ocean awareness," said Wang Qixiang, a Naval officer.

Meanwhile, the navy of the Southern Theater Command will host open day event simultaneously in the cities of Zhanjiang, Guangzhou, Sanya, Danzhou, and Beihai, which have all completed preparations.

This year, these five cities will display the highest number and the greatest variety of active-duty warships in history, including guided-missile destroyers, guided-missile frigates, mine countermeasures vessels, missile boats, amphibious assault ships, replenishment ships, ocean-going training ships, oceanographic survey ships, and hospital ships.

Many of them have carried out important missions, including escort missions in the Gulf of Aden, overseas visits, and joint exercises.

The Chinese PLA Navy hosts open day events on record scale to celebrate its 77th anniversary

As part of the celebrations marking the 77th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Navy, China's first domestically designed and built navigation training ship Zheng He will be opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Over nearly 39 years of service, Zheng He has trained over 40,000 naval officers for the Chinese PLA Navy, and is recognized as the cradle of naval commanders. With its voyages spanning six continents and three oceans, the ship has completed solo circumnavigation missions, setting multiple records, and has been honored with the title of "Meritorious Training Ship."

"Ship Zheng He, officially commissioned in 1987, will celebrate its 39th birthday next week. Look at this photo. In 1989, we visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA, for the first time on behalf of the People's Navy. That mission was also the first time that a People's Navy vessel crossed both the eastern and western hemispheres. Since the ship was commissioned 39 years ago, it has gone abroad on behalf of the People's Navy 16 times and visited 29 countries, including Russia, Republic of Korea, and Japan. Especially during the Harmonious Mission: Global Voyage of Zheng He in 2012, we visited more than 10 countries and set a record for the navy's single-ship global circumnavigation," said Wang Jianglin, a crew member of Ship Zheng He.

In addition to various types of weapon launching systems, Ship Zheng He is also equipped with navigation radar and can carry out teaching and training programs across more than 30 subjects at the same time.

"There are differences and connections between our training ships and combat ships. Take me for example. First of all, I am a qualified crew member. I need to perform regular duties on the ship and maintain the equipment. I am also a coach during the internships of students on board the ship. I teach students how to operate and use equipment, as well as giving some daily lectures. I am also a combatant. Our main task is to help students apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to real combat on the battlefield, which solves the 'last mile' problem from campus to troops. Finally, I am also a commander. We should not only be able to fight and teach, but also be resourceful and be good commanders in our own positions," said Cheng Jialin, a crew member of Ship Zheng He.

China's naval training ship Zheng He to open to public celebrating Navy's 77th anniversary