Thousands visit PLA barracks in Hong Kong to celebrate city’s return to Chinese rule

Thousands of residents have flocked to a military base of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison as it opened its barracks to the public to celebrate the coming 29th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule.

The Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks opened to visitors at 9am on Saturday, with hundreds of people queuing early and waiting in excitement to enter the facilities.

Among them were families with young children, students and older residents.

Jennifer Shao Xia and her 16-year-old son Harry Wang Haorui arrived early at the barracks.

The 48-year-old, who works at Hong Kong Airlines, said it was her first time visiting a military 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,” said Shao, adding that she came from a family with members serving in the military.