The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile frigate Hengyang sails at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet. The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)
HONG KONG, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities.
The HKSAR government held a welcome ceremony for the fleet at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island.
The fleet sailed into Victoria Harbour in column formation at around 7 a.m. local time, escorted by vessels from the HKSAR government Fleet and the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, before mooring at approximately 10 a.m. Senior officers of the PLA Navy and the visiting fleet, alongside crew representatives, disembarked and received a warm welcome extended by officials from the offices of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, representatives of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, local residents and young students.
The opening ceremony kicked off with the playing of the national anthem, after which HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee delivered a welcoming address. The officials and representatives then boarded the naval vessels for a tour.
This marks the maiden Hong Kong call for both Nanning and Hengyang. The two naval ships will open to Hong Kong and Macao residents and students from Friday through Sunday, enabling compatriots to gain first-hand insight into advances in China's new-era national defense and military modernization. ■
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning sails at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile frigate Hengyang sails at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile frigate Hengyang sails at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning sails at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning sails into the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Students welcome the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning sails into the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning sails into the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile frigate Hengyang receives a warm welcome at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning sails into the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Officers and soldiers stand in formation on the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile frigate Hengyang as the ship enters the waters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Liang Jiepei/Xinhua)
Officers and soldiers on the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning wave as the ship enters the waters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Ji Peng/Xinhua)
Officers and soldiers on the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning wave as the ship enters the waters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Ji Peng/Xinhua)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet sails into the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Liang Jiepei/Xinhua)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile frigate Hengyang sails into Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Liang Jiepei/Xinhua)
A drone photo taken on July 2, 2026 shows the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile frigate Hengyang sailing into Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Tong Hengzhang/Xinhua)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning sails into the waters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Liang Jiepei/Xinhua)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile frigate Hengyang sails into the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong, south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Liang Jiepei/Xinhua)
A drone photo taken on July 2, 2026 shows the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning sailing into Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Tong Hengzhang/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on July 2, 2026 shows the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning sailing into the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong, south China. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Zhang Yihan/Xinhua)
Officers and soldiers on the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's guided-missile frigate Hengyang wave as the ship enters the waters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in south China, July 2, 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.
The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into HKSAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities. (Photo by Liang Jiepei/Xinhua)
