The ship "Yu Kun," China's first modern ocean-going training vessel, will visit Hong Kong again and open free of charge to the Hong Kong public for onboard tours from November 17 to 19, 2026, at Ocean Terminal, Harbour City. Online reservations are available starting today, and on-site registration will also be accepted. The organisers hope to promote the development of Hong Kong's maritime industry and popularise maritime science knowledge, allowing the public to experience the grandeur of a major national vessel up close.
The ship "Yu Kun"
Hong Kong is an internationally recognised maritime centre, and the maritime industry has long supported the local economy. The organisers noted that this event is not merely a ship tour but a signature project for deepening maritime education cooperation between Dalian and Hong Kong. The event responds to the HKSAR Government's policy direction of promoting youth development and science education, arranging for citizens and teenagers to observe a national-level training vessel on site, deepening their understanding of the country's maritime development and strengthening their sense of belonging to and pride in the nation.
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Introduction to the navigation bridge
Introduction to the Lifeboat Locations
The ship "Yu Kun" was commissioned in 2008. It is a dedicated training vessel independently researched, designed, and built by China, with advanced equipment and global navigation capability, and was named one of "The First Batch of National Maritime Science Popularization Education Bases" in 2012. The vessel has deep ties with Hong Kong: it first participated in celebrations for the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 2017, and has since co-organised the "Chasing Dreams in the Deep Blue" Hong Kong Youth Students Internship Programme with the Hong Kong Seamen's Union for consecutive years, enabling young people from the Mainland and Hong Kong to learn together and build friendships in a real maritime environment.
The ship "Yu Kun"
During the visit, the public will be guided by staff through core areas including the multimedia classroom, the bridge, the trainee bridge, the compass deck, the captain's deck and the aft deck, following an approach of "seeing the equipment, explaining its uses, hearing the stories and trying the experience."
Introduction to the navigation bridge
On the bridge, visitors can observe navigation instruments such as radar and electronic charts at close range and learn how a vessel determines its position in the vast ocean. On the captain's deck, dedicated staff will explain the operation of emergency equipment such as lifeboats and life rafts. Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear students share their life on board and gain a deeper understanding of the unique educational approach and talent-cultivation features of maritime institutions. Along the way, crew members will share real stories of the participation of "Yu Kun" in maritime rescue and Dalian-Hong Kong youth exchanges, combining education with enjoyment.
Introduction to the Lifeboat Locations
The event is free of charge, and members of the public, families, and youth groups are welcome to participate.
The Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour, part of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Year of the Horse campaign, has moved to Exchange Square and Jardine House in Central, where it will run until 17 November. The community exhibition showcases horse sculptures created by renowned artist Simon Ma, together with mini “Harmonious Horse” sculptures painted by members of the public. The works celebrate the bond between horses and humans and symbolise the Club’s connection with the community.
Horse sculptures created by artist Simon Ma and mini “Harmonious Horse” sculptures are on display at Exchange Square and Jardine House in Central until 17 November.
Horse sculptures created by artist Simon Ma and mini “Harmonious Horse” sculptures are on display at Exchange Square and Jardine House in Central until 17 November.
Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Guests attending a ceremony for the exhibition in Central included Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and artist Simon Ma.
Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); and artist Simon Ma (2nd left), together with two student representatives, pose at the Central Community Exhibition of the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour - part of the Club’s Year of the Horse campaign.
Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (left), receives a painting created by artist Simon Ma (right), as a token of appreciation for the Club’s support of the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour.
The Club-supported Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour has brought horse culture and contemporary art to various communities since the beginning of the Year of the Horse in February. In Hong Kong, the exhibition has been staged at Sha Tin Racecourse, Beas River Country Club, The Hilltop in The Valley at Happy Valley, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tamar Park and North Point Ferry Pier, as well as schools and NGO centres. Students have been invited to paint mini “Harmonious Horse” sculptures, harnessing their creativity to express their wishes for society. The tour has also visited Beijing and Shanghai and will later travel to other cities across the Chinese Mainland, sharing the spirit and vitality embodied by horses with audiences in more places.
Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd left) and other guests tour the exhibition with artist Simon Ma (2nd right).
Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and students paint mini horse sculptures at the Central Community Exhibition of the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour.
Students paint mini horse sculptures at the Central Community Exhibition of the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour.
The Club’s Year of the Horse campaign is a year-long celebration of the close bond between horses and humans and the contribution racing makes to Hong Kong. It also promotes tourism as well as equine and sports development. Racing is not only the city’s favourite pastime, but also a symbol of its “can-do” spirit and stability under One Country, Two Systems. Through the success of Hong Kong horses on the international stage, the sport also brings pride to the community and global recognition to our city. None of this would be possible without the horse. For more information please visit https://hkjc.com/YOTH.
Group photo.
Group photo.
