Thousands visit PLA barracks in Hong Kong to celebrate city’s return to Chinese rule
Some cite patriotic education as Hong Kong Garrison opens doors to public as part of 29th anniversary celebrations of city’s return to Chinese rule
Thousands of residents have flocked to the PLA barracks on Hong Kong’s Stonecutters Island as part of celebrations marking the 29th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule on July 1, with many drawn by the display of military equipment and skills.
The Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks opened to visitors at 9am on Saturday, with hundreds of people queuing early.
Among them were families with young children, students and older residents, including Jennifer Shao Xia and her 16-year-old son Harry Wang Haorui.
The 48-year-old, who works at Hong Kong Airlines, said it was her first time visiting a People’s Liberation Army base since her family moved to the city in 2024, and she wanted to take her son, a Form Three student, so he could learn more about the country’s military accomplishments.
“Our country is great. We want to visit the barracks to experience and learn more about the military and its achievements,” she said, adding that she came from a family with members serving in the military.
Shao said she was drawn to the military demonstrations and the display of equipment among the open day activities, adding that she would also visit the Shek Kong Barracks the following Saturday.