HONG KONG, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships Qi Jiguang and Yimengshan arrived in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning and opened for public visits.

The ships entered the waters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday morning, escorted by vessels from the PLA Hong Kong Garrison and the HKSAR government.

On the aft deck of Qi Jiguang, over 100 service members formed the number "76" to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and extend their best wishes to the Hong Kong people. Along the shore, residents and tourists waved to cadets and service members on deck.

This marks the first visit to Hong Kong by Qi Jiguang and Yimengshan. A welcome ceremony was held at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

A series of naval-themed open ship activities will take place aboard Qi Jiguang and Yimengshan from Tuesday to Thursday. The PLA Hong Kong Garrison will organize visits for residents from Hong Kong and Macao, including youth and students, to board the ships and learn about the achievements of China's military forces in the new era.

The visit to the naval ships left students with a deep sense of pride, as they marveled at the advanced technology and comprehensive onboard facilities. A teacher from Tin Shui Wai Government Secondary School said that the ship visit would further deepen the students' sense of patriotism. Enditem