QINGDAO -- A batch of Chinese naval ships were open to public tours on Tuesday in the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, as the country celebrates the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

The open days will continue until Thursday. This is the first time Chinese naval ships have been open to the public on a large scale during the National Day holiday, according to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

The ships on display are all active-duty vessels that were independently designed and built in China.

By 4 pm Tuesday, over 40,000 people had visited the ships. More than 120,000 visitors are expected during the three days.

The PLA Navy is also hosting similar open days in South China's Guangdong province and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region during the National Day holiday.