Navy opens warships to public for its 76th birthday

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy will open over 30 of its active warships to the public across a dozen coastal cities to mark its 76th anniversary on Wednesday. This will offer people rare glimpses into the country's maritime defense capabilities.

At the Port Terminal 3 in Qingdao City, east China’s Shandong Province, five vessels including missile destroyers, frigates, and comprehensive supply ship Kekexilihu (Hull 903) are scheduled to receive visitors from Wednesday to Sunday.

The 20,000-ton supply ship, capable of simultaneous multi-point replenishment at sea, has completed two anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden and escorted over 20 groups of Chinese and foreign vessels.

"This opening event marks our vessel's fourth mission to open to the public on such an occasion. Our long-awaiting helicopter will also meet the people. Let's wait and see," said crew member Mu Lecao.

The Rizhao frigate, a versatile combatant participating in the 42nd naval escort mission and multinational exercises, will also receive visitors aboard. Since it was commissioned in January 2018, the Rizhao has proven its dual capabilities in air defense and precision strike in international exercises.

"Following last year's homeport opening in Rizhao City (in Shandong Province), this is our second time to open to the public. Visitors aboard could see our flight deck and hangar, and have a close contact with our missile vertical launch systems and main guns. For the first time, we're also to open our crew quarters. Aside from going around the ship, visitors can also try naval firefighting gear on dock," said Li Zimu, crew member of Frigate Rizhao.

The Tangshan, a domestically-built Type 052D missile destroyer equipped with advanced weapon systems, also gears up for the event.

"Our crew members are now training on semaphore signaling for the demonstrations after the opening event starts. Interested visitors can also have interactive experience. The ship will be fully dressed with colors and lights throughout the event. Tours include insights into sailors' daily training and detailed explanations of our naval vessels and primary weapon equipment," said crew member Jiang Ting of the Tangshan vessel.

The annual event aims to present China's naval modernization achievements while strengthening public understanding of maritime defense.

Navy opens warships to public for its 76th birthday

Attractions across China are embracing a tourist boom during the five-day May Day holiday season beginning on Thursday.

In south China's Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a mega bridge connecting Guangdong's Zhuhai City with neighboring Hong Kong and Macao, is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

The total number of visits of the bridge during the holiday has exceeded 6,800, about 50 percent more than that on normal days.

"I am indeed feeling very proud [of this mega project], a big thumbs-up for our great country!" said a tourist surnamed Ke.

In the Tianmen Mountain scenic area in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, performances featuring local folk customs are amazing tourists from home and abroad.

"I think it's really traditional in China, the costumes and the dance. We really like it," said tourist Julie from France.

"I love the performance. I felt like it was very immersive, and with the view, it's crazy. I'll recommend everyone thinking of coming here for sure," said tourist Duarte from Portugal.

In northwest China's Gansu Province, the famous Mogao Grottoes are also see a peak of visits during the holiday, as the tickets, which are limited to 6,000 per day, would all sell out well in advance.

Built between the 4th and 14th centuries, the Mogao Grottoes are home to a vast collection of Buddhist artworks, with more than 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals located in 735 caves, carved along the cliffs by ancient worshipers.

In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, more than 1,900 meters above sea level, had the ice floes on it thawed just before the holiday, offering tourists a breathtaking view.

"This is my first time to visit the lake. The view is shockingly beautiful when you see it in person!" said tourist Chen Yanru from northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Xinjiang's Manas county is a famous destination for self-driving tours because of the region's diverse natural landscapes, such as yardangs, the Danxia landform, river valleys, canyons, alpine meadows and forests.

"It's a very worthwhile trip for the holiday. I am amazed by the picturesque scenery of Xinjiang," said tourist Zhou Chenchong from Shanghai.

Attractions across China embrace May Day holiday tourism boom