Thousands of Hong Kong residents visited the Shek Kong barracks on Saturday to watch helicopter demonstrations and try military equipment during celebrations for the 29th anniversary of the handover.
The open day at the People's Liberation Army airbase near the border with mainland China drew early crowds despite the heat. Military enthusiast Kin Man from Tai Po arrived with his mother more than an hour before the 9am start. He expressed excitement about the aircraft and the chance to handle items such as the R16 rifle.
Kin Man, a car park porter in his thirties and member of the Auxiliary Medical Service, said he had long been interested in military uniforms and equipment. This marked his first visit to the barracks, though he had toured an aircraft carrier during secondary school.
The event formed part of activities marking the July 1 anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty.