Local students were left in awe as they were given a chance to board ships that are part of the People's Liberation Army Navy fleet on the second day of its SAR visit on Friday.

Along with teachers, some students toured around the Shandong aircraft carrier – the nation's first domestically-built carrier.

A form one student, Lee, told RTHK that she did some research on Shandong beforehand.

"I am amazed," she said.

"Seeing it with my own eyes is really different from what we usually see in pictures.

"This time is really special as there aren't usually activities like this in Hong Kong.

"I think it is a really special experience that we get to come here and tour around here."

Another student, Ryan, was amazed by the size of the aircraft carrier, which measures more than 300 metres in length and weighs up to 70,000 tonnes.

"It is bigger than I thought," he said.

"I knew that it is the first home-grown aircraft carrier, and it's impressive that it is that big."

King's College assistant principal Nick Lam said 45 students participated in the tour, which he said allows them to get an idea of how the nation protects them and the professionalism of the PLA.

The group, he added, will share their experience with fellow students later.

Ahead of welcoming the students on board, colonel Yang Yingnan said he is looking forward to his exchanges with the public.

"We will mainly showcase our stronger comprehensive strength, as well as our military strengthening to our compatriots in Hong Kong, so that they can feel a sense of national pride as Chinese and be more patriotic," he said.

He added that PLA officers had carried out a lot of preparations for the upcoming events, such as the visits over the weekend that allow the public to board Shandong and two other vessels.