Top four places in Hong Kong to view Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning – without tickets
Weren’t one of the lucky 2,000 people who secured tickets to this weekend’s public viewing? It’s not too late to catch a glimpse of the famous vessel
PUBLISHED : Friday, 07 July, 2017, 1:22pm
UPDATED : Friday, 07 July, 2017, 1:22pm
Tony Cheung Tracy Zhang
As the massive Liaoning warship made its
maiden call in Hong Kong on Friday morning, many early bird visitors and residents along the southern coast got a look – from afar – at the pride of China’s navy.
The port call marks the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover from British to Chinese rule, and
2,000 lucky people got tickets to board the aircraft carrier in the next two days, while the city’s dignitaries were also invited to visit it.
But if you are not one of the lucky 2,000, here are four ways to get a relatively close look at the Liaoning, which is berthed to the east of Lantau Island and north of Kau Yi Chau island.
1. Go to Disneyland Resort Pier
Take the MTR to Disneyland Resort station followed by a 10-minute walk to Disneyland’s public pier. From there, turn left to find a seaside footpath taking you to the eastern side of the resort’s future development zone. There, you will be quite close to the Liaoning.
Star Ferry also operates a service between Tsim Sha Tsui and the Disneyland Resort. It runs only four times a day and costs HK$180 per adult, but this should also get you quite close to the aircraft carrier.
About 20 people set off for the pier at about 9.30am on Friday, and they were not disappointed.
A 73-year-old man who called himself Mr Wong said he was at Disneyland Resort Pier because he had not managed to obtain tickets to the People’s Liberation Army’s open day during the weekend or to the Liaoning viewing.
“I went to Shek Kong at 11am on Monday to queue for a ticket but was too late to get any,” Wong said as he stood at the bank and pointed at the aircraft carrier in the distance. “I am loyal to our country.”
Yu Zhaoping, 63, a new Hong Kong resident from China’s Fujian Province, said that on the mainland, there was a very low chance of getting to see military boats.
“The Liaoning is China’s first aircraft carrier, which symbolises the power of our country,” Yu said. “It’s an unforgettable experience to see the ship at such a close distance.”
2. Head to Peng Chau island
There is frequent ferry service between Central and Peng Chau. Fares range from HK$15.90 to HK$43.50 depending on whether you are travelling on a Sunday and whether it is a high-speed ferry.
Upon arrival at the rural island, walk to Tung Wan beach and go uphill to the northeast via the Peng Chau Family Walk or walk up Finger Hill in the southeast. Both spots should give you a good view of the carrier.
3. Board the Discovery Bay ferry
The Discovery Bay ferry costs HK$40 per trip and takes only 25 minutes from Central. That will get you as close as you are likely to get to the colossal carrier.
While you might not have the perfect view of the Liaoning at Discovery Bay, consider chilling at one of the restaurants in the area or take a walk along the beach.
4. Take the Harbour Cruise Bauhinia
For bigger spenders, the cruise company is organising a special three-hour cruise on Saturday evening for families to get close to the Liaoning. Tickets cost HK$180 each and include a buffet dinner.
Top four places in Hong Kong to view Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning – without tickets | South China Morning Post