The Northern Theater Command Navy has launched a series of ship open-house events across Shandong Qingdao and Liaoning Dalian from April 22 to 26. These activities are held to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the People’s Navy, allowing the public to board and tour active-duty warships.
Strategic Fleet Deployment
A total of nine active-duty warships are being showcased. In Qingdao, the exhibition is divided between two primary locations: Port 3 and the Olympic Sailing Center.
At Port 3, located on Puji Road in the Xibei District, four vessels are available for visit. These include the 052D missile destroyer Qiqihar (Hull 121), the 054A missile frigate Wuhu (Hull 539), the 903 comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu (Hull 902), and the 926 comprehensive submarine rescue ship Yangchenghu (Hull 847).
The Olympic Sailing Center on Qingyuan Road hosts two additional vessels: the 052D missile destroyer Urumqi (Hull 118) and the 054A missile frigate Weifang (Hull 550).
In the Dalian region, three ships will be open to the public in Lüshun from April 25 to 26. This group consists of the Zheng He (Hull 81), the first ocean-going training ship of the People’s Navy; the 054A missile frigate Ordos (Hull 580); and the 081 minesweeper Qingzhou (Hull 730).
Advanced Naval Capabilities
The event highlights the technological advancement of the fleet, specifically the Qiqihar. As the 12th domestically designed and built 052D destroyer, it entered active service in August 2020.
The Qiqihar is equipped with a vertical launch system and phased array radar, capabilities that have earned the vessel the moniker “China Aegis.”
Visiting Schedules and Logistics
Visitors to the Qingdao sites may tour the ships daily from 08:30 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 17:30. A maintenance window is observed every day from 12:00 to 14:00, during which no tours are conducted.
Access to the Dalian sites requires the apply of shuttle buses. These buses depart from the Lüshun District Government west parking lot or the Kaishi Sailing Era scenic area at specific morning and afternoon intervals.
Simultaneous events are occurring in Shanghai. The Fuyang and Qiandaohu ships are open at the North Bund International Cruise Terminal from April 21 to 23. Subsequently, the Suzhou and Yimengshan ships will be available at the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal from April 23 to 25.
Future Outlook
Given the coordination of these multi-city events, the Northern Theater Command may continue to use public exhibitions to highlight naval modernization. Future anniversaries could potentially see a rotation of different mainstay vessels to maintain public interest and showcase evolving maritime technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ships are available for viewing in Qingdao?
At Port 3, the Qiqihar (052D), Wuhu (054A), Dongpinghu (903), and Yangchenghu (926) are open. At the Olympic Sailing Center, the Urumqi (052D) and Weifang (054A) are available.
What are the specific visiting hours for the Qingdao locations?
Tours are held from 08:30 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 17:30 daily, with a break for maintenance between 12:00 and 14:00.
How do visitors reach the ships in the Dalian region?
Visitors must go to designated shuttle points at the Lüshun District Government west parking lot or the Kaishi Sailing Era scenic area to take a shuttle bus to the site.
Which of these naval vessels’ capabilities do you find most impressive?
