Hong Kong-based PLA troops invite 20,000 citizens to visit barracks during Labor Day holidays

The Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) troops stationed in Hong Kong have decided to open their barracks again during this year's Labor Day holidays. The troops will distribute 21,000 admission tickets on April 26 and welcome Hong Kong citizens and social groups to visit.

The PLA garrison troops in Hong Kong said in a statement that three barracks at Stonecutters Island, San Wai and Shek Kong will be opened during different time slots on May 1 and May 3.

During the periods when the barracks are open for visits, the PLA garrison troops will hold various drills, and organize visitors to tour navy ships and soldiers' living quarters. Visitors will not only watch the national flag-raising ceremony, a military band performance in parade, boxing performances, gymnastic performances of the firearm regiments, they will also witness the valiant appearance of the soldiers as they carry out anti-terror maneuvers and tactical laser weapon confrontation exercises.

In the 12 years since the PLA garrisoned troops in Hong Kong, they have held many activities for public participation, which have allowed tens of thousands of Hong Kong citizens to appreciate the feel of the PLA's Hong Kong garrison. The "barracks open day" has become an important window for Hong Kong citizens to understand the routine training, study and living conditions of the officers and soldiers.

When the PLA's Hong Kong garrison opened their barracks during the Labor Day holidays of 2008, a total of 8,000 Hong Kong ticket holding citizens came to visit.