Hong Kong residents turned up in droves on Wednesday for a close look at two People’s Liberation Army naval vessels docked in the city as part of National Day celebrations, with many saying the ships showed China’s growing strength and military power.

The vessels – training ship Qi Jiguang and dock landing ship Yimengshan – arrived on Tuesday for a port call and are berthed at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base on Stonecutters Island. They are open to the public until Thursday and will depart on Friday.

Many residents queued early in the morning to ensure they could get on board.

One woman said she arrived around 7am because she was so eager to see the ships and their weapons.

A young boy said he was most excited over the opportunity to see “how big” the vessels are.

Visitors took photos with navy service personnel, toured weapon systems and collected commemorative stamps in special booklets.

Navy personnel were roundly applauded for staging a musical performance on the pier.

Navy cadets explained the ships’ weapon systems as well as daily life aboard the vessels to visitors.

One cadet, Jing Haifeng, said: “Hong Kong visitors asked us whether being a sailor is tough, and how we feel about coming to Hong Kong.

"We feel that residents here really care about us, and this exchange brings us closer together.”

As for the visitors, some said they were glad for the opportunity to see the country's military capabilities during the National Day, calling them a symbol of the nation's prosperity and strength.