CNS Qi Jiguang docks at Penglai Port in Yantai's Penglai district —the hometown of the national hero Qi Jiguang.[Photo/Daxiao News]

From April 23 to 24, the Chinese naval ship Qi Jiguang was docked at Penglai Port in Yantai, East China's Shandong province — the birthplace of the national hero — and opened to the public for the first time since its commissioning.

Qi Jiguang (1528–1588), a Ming Dynasty(1368-1644) general born in Penglai, Yantai, is famed for defending China's coast against Japanese invaders. CNS Qi Jiguang, commissioned in 2017, is the People's Liberation Army Navy's largest and most modern training ship.

Crew members of the CNS Qi Jiguang tour the Qi Jiguang Memorial Hall to pay tribute to the national hero.[Photo/WeChat account: penglaige1061]

Thousands of people lined up to board. A military band welcomed them,as children collected commemorative stamps, answered naval quiz questions, and received ship badges. Crew members explained the equipment, as visitors listened intently.

Among the crowd, a boy in a naval uniform gazed up at the vessel. "I want him to feel proud of our nation's warships," his mother said. A 16-year naval veteran touched the railing and said: "Our ships keep getting larger and more advanced. I'm so proud."

Children performed Qi Jia Quan— a martial art created by Qi Jiguang over 400 years ago — to thunderous applause. "The hero's spirit has never left Penglai," said a local researcher.

"I'm from Shandong. Returning to Qi's hometown aboard this ship makes me cherish my uniform even more," said crew member Gao Diancheng.

As the sun set, residents lingered to take photos — a testament to the hero's legacy that lives on in every steel warship guarding China's shores.

Editor：Cao Xiaoxu