PLA Naval Vessels Welcome Hong Kong Public Aboard as Veterans Hail 'Homecoming' Moment

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened to the public on July 4 for a two-day visitation program at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base, with access granted to those who had secured online reservations. Among the early visitors, a veteran who once served at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks said that getting on board felt especially familiar, "like coming home." Some citizens who saw the vessels' interiors were deeply impressed, and an Indian family that has lived in Hong Kong for seven years praised the tour arrangements.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened to the public on July 4 for a two-day visitation program at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Ko, a veteran who served at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base in 1999, arrived with friends on Saturday, saying stepping aboard brought back a wave of familiarity. "It feels like coming home," he said. Noting the significant upgrades in equipment since his service days, when he operated patrol boats, he added: "These are real warships now. They're bigger, and the equipment is far more advanced. I feel incredibly proud."

Mr. Ko, Photo by Bastille Post

For Ms. Ng, a first-time visitor to a military vessel, the experience was awe-inspiring. Having only seen naval vessels in videos and photos, she was struck by the realism of the interior and expressed particular curiosity about the advanced weaponry on display. "The equipment inside is really amazing," she said. She also tried her hand at firearms and nautical instruments in the display areas, describing the experience as completely different from anything she had handled before. "I've tried guns before, but nothing this heavy. It was fantastic."

Ms, Ng, Photo by Bastille Post

The two-day event also drew international visitors. Mr. Sampad Sen, an Indian national who has lived in Hong Kong for seven years, called himself "incredibly lucky" to have secured tickets after trying for three or four years in a row. "We finally made it. We're really happy," he said. It was his family's first visit to a naval base and their first time aboard a vessel. He described the ship's interior as "very compact" and expressed admiration for the soldiers serving on board. "The soldiers protecting the country on these ships are amazing."

Mr. Sampad Sen (right), Ms. Swarna Sen (left) and their son Shaunak Sen (middle), Photo by Bastille Post

His wife, Swarna Sen, praised the organizers for their crowd management, noting that the site remained orderly and safe despite the large turnout. "They really pulled it off. It's amazing," she said. Their 11-year-old son, Shaunak Sen, said his favorite part was the helicopter display, "because we can take photos with the soldiers standing next to them."

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened to the public on July 4 for a two-day visitation program at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

The firearms experience area drew crowds of visitors queuing up for a hands-on experience. Photo by Bastille Post

The firearms experience area drew crowds of visitors queuing up for a hands-on experience. Photo by Bastille Post

Visitors can also try their hand at knot-tying at the experience area. Photo by Bastille Post

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened their decks to the public on July 4 at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base for a two-day visitation program, with access granted to those who had secured online reservations.

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened their decks to the public on July 4 at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base for a two-day visitation program. Photo by Bastille Post

For Petty Officer Chen Yufei of the Nanning and Officer Liang Qiurui of the Hengyang, this visit marks their first time in Hong Kong. Both expressed eagerness to sample local cuisine and take in the city's distinctive character during their stay. Beyond sharing stories of life at sea, they also spoke warmly of the hospitality they had already received from Hong Kong residents.

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened their decks to the public on July 4 at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base for a two-day visitation program. Photo by Bastille Post

Petty Officer Chen Yufei recounted Nanning's participation in the 2023 evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan. She described how the crew rehearsed boarding arrangements in advance, dividing the vessel into five zones to accommodate evacuees and preparing meals for them. Her most vivid memory, she said, was watching the evacuees step aboard: "They had traveled long distances in the dust, carrying their luggage and families. Everyone looked at the warship and smiled; some even cried with emotion, thanking us for coming all the way across the ocean to bring them home."

Petty Officer Chen Yufei of the Nanning, Photo by Bastille Post

Speaking of her first impressions of Hong Kong, Chen said she was struck by the city's towering skyline as the vessel docked. "It feels like a very prosperous city," she said. She particularly hopes to visit Tsim Sha Tsui: "There are so many shopping malls and snacks there. I really want to try Hong Kong-style desserts."

Having spent years on overseas missions with the Nanning, Chen acknowledged that life at sea can be challenging. "There's no mobile phone signal or internet at sea," she explained. "It's hard to stay in touch with home, and the homesickness hits especially hard when the work pressure is high." However, she noted that the crewmates supported her, so she rarely feels truly alone. She also observed that men and women serve side by side aboard the ship; while women may have slightly less physical strength, with time and adaptation, they can complete all tasks together.

Officer Liang Qiurui of the Hengyang, Photo by Bastille Post

Officer Liang Qiurui, making his first visit to Hong Kong aboard the Hengyang, described the people of Hong Kong as "very warm and friendly, especially sincere and polite in their interactions." During the vessel's open day, he noted that students had asked the crew about life aboard a warship and at sea, while also expressing admiration for the military. "This activity made us feel that it was very meaningful," he said, "allowing our compatriots in Hong Kong and Macau to gain a more direct and in-depth understanding of the development of national defense and the armed forces in the new era."

Liang said he hopes to slow down and experience Hong Kong's distinctive character, particularly its food, such as the local Cha Chaan Teng. "Whether it's places that carry Chinese cultural traditions or areas full of local life, I want to slow down, walk around, and feel this city that shares our roots," he added.

Visitors queued up to take part in the various military experiences on offer at the activity zones. Photo by Bastille Post

The military band concert at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Centre, Photo by Bastille Post