HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) In a rare mass visit, about 230 cadets and crew from a visiting Chinese naval training vessel visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the A-bomb Dome on Saturday.

The military visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where the museum and dome are located, took place at the recommendation of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, the MSDF said.

The 5,470-ton Zhenghe and its crew of 360 arrived at Etajima port in Hiroshima Prefecture on Thursday for a visit aimed at promoting friendly relations between the two countries.

It is the second port call made by a Chinese naval vessel since November 2007.