Zhiyuan-class cruiser

The Zhiyuan class were two protected cruisers built during the late stages of the Qing dynasty. Both were sunk during the First Sino-Japanese War.

Context and build

In the late 19th century, the ships were built as part of Li Hongzhang's effort to modernize the Imperial Chinese Fleet. was built first and Jingyuan followed.
Both ships were built by Armstrong Whitworth in Elswick.
The main armament of the class consisted of three Krupp 21 cm MRK L/30 breechloaders. Secondary armament consisted of two 15 cm MRK L/35 breechloaders and 8 6-pdr L/40 Hotchkiss quick firing guns. There were installations to launch four torpedoes.

Service of this class

Both cruisers took part in the Battle of Yalu River during the First Sino-Japanese War, with Zhiyuan being sunk in battle and Jingyuan damaged. Jingyuan was later sunk during the Battle of Weihaiwei in January 1895.