Patriotic Education or Military Pride? Why Thousands Visited PLA Barracks in Hong Kong This Weekend
29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return draws crowds to military base.
Thousands of residents flocked to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison's Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on Saturday as part of celebrations marking the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule. The barracks opened to visitors at 9am, with hundreds queuing early in excitement. Families with young children, students, and older residents were among the attendees, eager to tour the military facilities.
Jennifer Shao Xia, a 48-year-old Hong Kong Airlines employee who moved to the city in 2024, brought her 16-year-old son Harry Wang Haorui to the barracks for the first time. She expressed pride in the country's military accomplishments and said the visit served as 'patriotic education' for her son, a Form Three student. The event highlights ongoing efforts to foster national pride and connection with the mainland Chinese military.
- Thousands visited Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on Saturday for the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule.
- The PLA Hong Kong Garrison opened the base at 9am, drawing families, students, and older residents.
- Some visitors, like Jennifer Shao Xia, cited 'patriotic education' as motivation for attending with their children.
Why It Matters
Event underscores efforts to strengthen patriotic sentiment and military-civilian ties in Hong Kong ahead of 30th anniversary.