Zhiyuan-class cruiser

The Zhiyuan class (Chinese: 致远级; pinyin: Zhiyuanji; Wade–Giles: Chih-yuan-chi) were two protected cruisers built during the late stages of the Qing dynasty. Both were sunk during the 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.^[1] Zhiyuan 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.^[2]

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.^{[citation needed]}

Notes

1. Jones 2016.
2. flixco Chih Yuen.

References

• "CHN Chih Yuen". navalhistory.flixco.info.
• Jones, Marcus O. (2016). New Interpretations in Naval History: Selected Papers from the Seventeenth McMullen Naval History Symposium Held at the United States Naval Academy 15-16 September 2011. Government Printing Office. pp. 182–183.