The 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Navy

April 23, 2026, marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Navy, and it is the first naval birthday since China entered the "era of three aircraft carriers."

Since its establishment on April 23, 1949, in Baima Temple, Taizhou, Jiangsu, the People's Navy has undergone 77 years of development. From humble beginnings where its commander had to rent a fishing boat for inspections, it was born in the flames of war, navigated through blockades, and accelerated during the reform and opening-up period. Ultimately, it has achieved leapfrog development in the new era. Its main combat vessels have evolved from captured old gunboats to a modern blue-water fleet boasting three aircraft carriers and a batch of 10,000-ton-class destroyers. This represents a historic leap from coastal defense to far-seas protection, from catching up to running alongside and even leading in some areas, establishing itself as a vital force in safeguarding national sovereignty and world peace.

Today, over 40 active-duty naval vessels are open to the public in more than 10 cities, including Qingdao, Shanghai, and Dalian. This event features the first public display of the Fujian carrier model, the Type 052D destroyer Suzhou, and the replenishment ship Qiandaohu. On its first day, the Shanghai Bund attraction drew over 5,000 visitors to board the ships, making it a popular photo spot alongside the Oriental Pearl Tower.