On April 23, 2026, a group of Taiwan compatriots took part in a special public open-day event held in Qingdao, Shandong Province, to mark the 77th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the group was granted access to tour active-duty warships that had been opened exclusively for the occasion, getting an up-close look at the branch’s capabilities.
During their visit, the Taiwan compatriots walked through the decks and interior spaces of the vessels, receiving detailed introductions to the warships’ advanced weapons systems and onboard equipment from serving naval officers. They also gained first-hand insight into the daily working routines and life of the officers and crew stationed aboard the ships, posing for photos with service members to commemorate the occasion.
Public open-house events that open active-duty naval vessels to civilian visitors are a long-standing common practice among navies across the globe. For the PLA Navy, these public engagement events have become a regular fixture in recent years. The service has hosted multiple such open days to mark major national and institutional milestones, including its annual founding anniversary and China’s National Day.