Hordes march into barracks as PLA opens the gates

Thousands of children excitedly posed with military vehicles and fired laser-fitted guns at the People's Liberation Army open day yesterday, with the force giving the public a glimpse of what's behind the gates at two of its barracks.

The PLA's Shek Kong Barracks in Yuen Long opened at 10.30am and the San Wai Barracks in Fanling followed suit at 2.30pm to mark the 16th anniversary of the handover from British rule.

More than 20,000 people poured through the gates at the two barracks to see mock anti-terrorist raids, marches, military bands, martial arts shows and new weaponry. They also tested their shooting skills with real army guns that shot laser beams in place of bullets. Most visitors were families with small children.

Juliana Lee Ka-chee, who visited the Shek Kong Barracks with her parents, said she felt sorry for the soldiers after taking pictures in a combat vehicle under the scorching sun.

"I think the soldiers have a very hard life," said the nine-year-old. "They have to perform drills in such hot weather, too."

Despite all the martial prowess on show, Lee was most impressed by the soldiers' domestic discipline after seeing their dormitory; their blankets were folded in perfect rectangles and everything had been tidied with military precision.