A J-20 stealth fighter jet arrives in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin Province on September 16, 2025 for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's aviation open-day activities from September 19 to 23. Photo: Screenshot from Weibo account of the military channel of China Central Television

Ahead of the aviation open-day activities of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force to be held in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin Province later this week, a J-20 stealth fighter jet, described by experts as the star of the show, arrived on Tuesday, with multiple types of aircraft carrying out adaptive training.

The J-20 will be on static ground display for the first time at the event, the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Tuesday, posting photos showing the aircraft already in position.

Alongside the J-20, the PLA Air Force's ground static display features a total of 125 exhibits across 93 types of aircraft, vehicles and equipment. The exhibition is divided into three sections: active-duty aircraft, retired legacy aircraft and ground equipment, organized into three display areas. They will showcase the development of the PLA Air Force's operational capability system, present the historical progression of equipment development and highlight the PLA Air Force's openness and commitment to exchange, the CCTV military channel report said.

Multiple types of air defense missiles and radars have also entered their display areas, photos attached to the report show.

The PLA Air Force will also open the cockpits of two aircraft types and the cargo bays of two others, including the cargo bay of a Y-20A large transport aircraft, according to the CCTV military channel.

In the skies, multiple types of warplanes conducted adaptive training on Tuesday, with a YU-20A tanker aircraft performing an S-shaped tactical evasive maneuver and two H-6 bombers conducting a flyover at the event site for the first time, the CCTV military channel reported.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the first static display of the J-20 will be a highlight of the show, which will allow the public to see details of this once mysterious, advance fighter.

The Changchun event shows that the PLA Air Force is open, transparent and confident, while showcasing its recent achievements in terms of weaponry, equipment and training, Fu said.

At a press briefing on August 28, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said the Changchun open-day event will include the first static display of the J-20 fighter jet, the first-ever flyovers by bomber formations and spectacular performances by the Bayi, Red Falcon and Sky Wing aerobatic teams.

The event will also feature immersive zones for flight simulators, drone controls and parachute jumping activities. Concurrently, open-day events at military barracks will be organized to provide the public with more direct and in-depth look  at the PLA Air Force, Zhang said.