Open day at PLA garrison stirs national pride among Hong Kong residents

2026-06-21 14:48 Last Updated At：15:52

The Ngong Shuen Chau barracks of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) welcomed nearly 9,000 visitors on the open day on Saturday to mark the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the 29th anniversary of PLA's deployment in the special administrative region.

The open day event kicked off at around 10:00 on Saturday with a flag-raising ceremony and will continue for two days.

"I was deeply moved and excited when I saw the national flag being raised. It's such a joy to witness the prosperity of our motherland and the stability of Hong Kong in this great era," said a local resident.

Visitors were treated to a series of military demonstrations by the garrison troops, including marching band performances, hand-to-hand combat, bayonet drills, and hunter-style combat maneuvers.

After the performances, local residents flocked to the weapons and equipment display area for a closer look and hands-on experience.

"The drone rescue performance we just saw was amazing, and we were impressed. The PLA soldiers are so courageous. We feel safe in Hong Kong with them around, and we really appreciate all their hard work and sacrifice," said a local resident.

A number of local residents, including families with children, also visited themed exhibitions at PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center, which tell the story of the Party, the military, and the nation's journey. The troops staged a flash mob to bring the military and civilians closer.

"This is my fourth visit to the PLA garrison barracks, and each time I come away with something new. I can feel the warmth and welcome from the soldiers, as well as their absolute confidence and capability to protect Hong Kong," said a local resident.

The PLA Garrison will also open its barracks at Shek Kong and San Wai to the public on June 27 and June 28 as part of its efforts to strengthen ties with Hong Kong society, showcase its professionalism, and promote patriotism.

Since 1997, the garrison has held 36 open day events, with more than 950,000 local residents attending over the years.

Foreigners in China experience Duanwu Festival customs

Foreign visitors in multiple Chinese cities immersed themselves in Zongzi-making and dragon boat racing, two traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, gaining a hands-on experience of traditional Chinese culture while sharing the joy of the festival with the local people.

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it fell on June 19.

In Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, many foreign visitors took part in local intangible cultural heritage workshops where they got to make Zongzi with their own hands.

"So many people gather together to celebrate this festival and eat together. It's really good," said a visitor from Pakistan.

In Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, international students rolled up their sleeves alongside residents, stuffing rice with fillings, folding bamboo leaves, and tying the bundles with string. They also crafted scented sachets, a traditional item associated with the festival.

"This is my first time making Zongzi. They're stuffed with beans and red dates. The whole process was so fun. Traditional Chinese culture holds deep significance," said a student from Russia.

"Zongzi smelled amazing, and the atmosphere was wonderful. Everyone here felt just like one big family," said a student from Morocco.

Beyond Zongzi-making, foreign visitors in Beijing also raced dragon boats.

"This is my first time seeing such an activity, being involved in some traditional experience. It's good to interact with a lot of people. Riding a boat is very fun as well," said a visitor from Brazil.