Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour transformed into a breathtaking maritime showcase as China's Shandong aircraft carrier and its naval fleet arrived for a five-day visit starting Thursday (July 3).
The nighttime spectacle of the massive warship illuminated against the city's skyline captivated onlookers, with newly released footage revealing the carrier's majestic presence amidst Hong Kong's glittering lights.
The Shandong, accompanied by the guided-missile destroyers Yan'an and Zhanjiang, along with the guided-missile frigate Yuncheng, entered Hong Kong waters from the southeast in a carefully choreographed display of naval precision.
As the 315-meter-long carrier approached, sailors on deck stood in formation on the flight deck to spell out the Chinese characters "Security Brings Prosperity” - a powerful visual statement visible to spectators gathering at waterfront locations across the city.
Thursday's daytime arrival already drew crowds of Hong Kong residents to vantage points along the harbor, but the nighttime reveal offered a different kind of grandeur.
With its flight deck ablaze with lights, the Shandong cast shimmering reflections across the water, creating a harmonious tableau with the illuminated skyline. The rare sight marks the first time Hong Kong has witnessed the aircraft carrier's nocturnal display since its commissioning in 2019.
The Shandong, carrying its complement of J-15 fighter jets and various support aircraft including helicopters and early warning planes, will remain anchored west of Victoria Harbour near Tsing Yi through the weekend. Two accompanying vessels will dock at Stonecutters Island Naval Base, with all ships opening for public tours on Saturday and Sunday.
(Marco Lam)
