The People's Liberation Army had a chance to display its latest military hardware when it welcomed 15,000 members of the public to its Ngong Shuen Chau naval base on Stonecutters Island yesterday.
While the event to mark the 85th anniversary of the PLA's foundation had many of the trappings of previous open days - including marches, military music and martial arts shows - there was also new weaponry on display.
The public saw a range of landing craft, armoured vehicles and helicopters, while the new type 95-1 assault rifle was on show in Hong Kong for the first time.
Visitors were able to board ships and sit on military motorcycles under the supervision of PLA soldiers. But those in search of a souvenir were given strict warning against collecting used bullet cartridges after a shooting display by the troops.
Victor Man Kwun-ho, 15, who last visited the barracks when he was 10, enjoyed the performances and the exhibition of military equipment.
'The weapons seem to be more advanced [than on my last visit],' the teenager said.
