Hong Kong residents on Saturday praised the first domestically built aircraft carrier, the CNS Shandong, referring to their tour aboard the warship as an eye-opening experience that lifted their sense of national pride.

They were among 2,000 visitors who secured tickets for a rare public tour of the 300-meter-long carrier and its escort fleet.

The fleet, which includes the CNS Yan'an, a Type 055 destroyer; the CNS Zhanjiang, a Type 052D destroyer; and the CNS Yuncheng, a Type 054A frigate, arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday for a five-day visit.

The vessels opened for public tours over the weekend, making Hong Kong the first city in the country to welcome two national aircraft carriers since the CNS Liaoning visited in 2017.

At about 9 am, the first group of visitors, many aboard a ferry, pulled out their cellphones to capture images of the Shandong as it loomed against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

"This is truly remarkable," said Kong Kin-chung, a 70-year-old retired Hong Kong police officer, his voice trembling after seeing the carrier and its arsenal. He described the Shandong as a "powerful symbol" of China's growing strength.

Kong said he was impressed by the kindness of the People's Liberation Army sailors on board, which he said contrasted with the behavior of British soldiers during the colonial period.

"The PLA personnel are courteous and welcoming," he said. "This is quite different from the bullying behavior of British soldiers."

He voiced support for Hong Kong's National Security Law, now in its fifth year, crediting it for restoring stability to the city after the 2019 protests, which he blamed on "educational shortcomings".

"It pained me seeing young people destroying their own city. The law will help reform our education system and strengthen national identity among youth," he said.

The sailors' hospitality also impressed Yam Wang-tik, a sixth-grade student who toured the Shandong with his grandfather. Expecting strict formality, he found the sailors "hospitable" and the aircraft on display "majestic".

"The carrier and its warplanes, especially the J-15 fighter jets, are far bigger than what I've seen on TV," Yam said, adding that he planned on researching more about the weapons he saw during his visit.

A total of 10,000 free tickets were distributed for public tours over the weekend, with 2,000 visitors allowed aboard the Shandong and 8,000 visiting the Zhanjiang and Yuncheng at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's Ngong Shuen Chau naval base on Stonecutters Island.

On board the Shandong, visitors explored interactive areas where PLA navy personnel gave demonstrations on weapons and navigational equipment. They were then guided to an elevator leading to the sprawling flight deck, roughly the size of two soccer fields, where 14 carrier-based aircraft were displayed.

The lineup included J-15 fighter jets, carrier-based helicopters and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Among the visitors was Tom Pang Lok-sang, a music teacher from Macao, who boarded the ships with his family.

"The transition was so smooth. One moment we're swaying on the ferry, the next we're on what feels like solid ground," he said. "That's when I truly grasped the carrier's enormous size."

Pang said the visit demonstrated "our nation's growing confidence", adding that seeing the advanced capabilities firsthand reassured residents that China can defend itself and maintain peace.

Lam Tse-shong, a Hong Kong entrepreneur with business ties to the mainland, called the visit an "eye-opening experience".

"I'm truly impressed by our nation's military advancements," Lam said. He added that interactions with PLA personnel changed his perceptions. "On television, they appear so solemn, but in reality, they've shown us nothing but kindness."

Reflecting on the theme for the Shandong's visit, "Secure Country, Sweet Home", Lam said Hong Kong can always rely on the mainland.

PLA officer Zhou Miaoying said she was delighted to interact with young visitors during the tours.

"In my regular duties, I rarely get to engage with children," she said, smiling as she recalled how visitors frequently asked to take photos with her. "They kept praising how nice my uniform looks, and I absolutely adore hearing their Cantonese accent."

Zhou said she planned to explore Hong Kong during shore leave, including trying local cuisine in Mong Kok and viewing the city's skyline from Victoria Peak.

The public tours were the centerpiece of the Shandong's five-day visit, fostering exchanges between naval personnel and Hong Kong residents.

The navy crew will also participate in soccer matches, tug-of-war competitions and cultural exchanges with the PLA Hong Kong Garrison and Hong Kong disciplinary forces, including police and fire services.

The visit concludes on Monday with a farewell ceremony at the Ngong Shuen Chau barracks, where Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki will speak.

lilei@chinadaily.com.cn