The Chinese PLA Navy's ship Yimengshan docks in Shanghai, on April 22, 2025. Photo: VCG

The Chinese PLA Navy ships Qi Jiguang Photo: China Military Bugle

The first tickets released to visit the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships Qi Jiguang and Yimengshan - which will be open to the public in Hong Kong during the National Day holidays - were completely snapped up less than 30 seconds after the system went live, state broadcaster CCTV News reported on Sunday.

The Qi Jiguang and Yimengshan will conduct midshipmen ocean-going training at the end of September, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said on September 25. 

During the mission, the two ships will hold open day activities in Hong Kong, Zhang added.

The two naval vessels will be open to Hong Kong residents from October 1-2, and the visits will be conducted through time-slot arrangements, with a total of 11,000 tickets distributed, CCTV News reported.

Starting on Saturday, Hong Kong residents can reserve the free visit tickets daily through the official WeChat account of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.

A Hong Kong resident surnamed Huang mobilized his family members to make reservations together and succeeded. 

He said that the popularity of this ticket booking was at least the same as for the previous open event to visit the aircraft carrier Shandong in Hong Kong, CCTV News reported.

A netizen surnamed Niu, who visited the Shandong in Hong Kong in July, also successfully secured tickets. He expressed excitement about having another opportunity to tour advanced military equipment. 

He told the Global Times on Sunday that the Shandong had left a profound impression during his visit, and that he is eagerly looking forward to seeing the equipment up close and experiencing the nation's strength firsthand. 

On Xiaohongshu, some netizens shared tips on how to book tickets, while some who failed to get tickets recommended the best viewing spots to see the ships from shore. 

Others are preparing to snap up tickets when the next booking round opens.

Many citizens plan to gather along both sides of the harbor to welcome the two naval ships, hoping to catch a glimpse, CCTV News reported.