WUHAN - An airborne regiment of the Chinese army opened to the public on Tuesday, the first time since the country's paratrooper forces formed over 50 years ago.

More than 1,200 people, including students, civil servants and enterprise staff, visited the regiment stationed in Wuhan, the capital city of Central China's Hubei province.

Visitors saw parachute simulators and 65 kinds of weapons, and paratroopers showed them rapid mobility and soldier warfare capabilities.

Visitors also experienced the parachute simulators first hand and visited the paratroopers' dormitory, study room and dining hall.

The event marked the 13th National Defense Education Day.

Zhang Keyong, deputy political commissar of an airborne division, said the move is aimed at giving the public a chance to learn about the achievements of China's national defense and improve relations between the people and the army.