The Dingyuan warship (定远舰) was the flagship of the Beiyang Fleet during the First Sino-Japanese War, with Admiral Ding Ruchang commanding the fleet from this vessel during the Battle of the Yellow Sea. The replica of the Dingyuan, now moored at Weihai Bay, is the first full-scale reproduction of a Qing Dynasty warship in Asia, maintaining the appearance of the original vessel and showcasing its historical grandeur.
The ship consists of five levels, with the top three decks equipped with weaponry and the lower two decks serving as historical exhibition halls. Inside, visitors can explore the living and working quarters of the navy officers and sailors from over a century ago. This includes the Western-style officers’ dining room, a Chinese kitchen, the military hospital, and the officers’ living areas, providing a vivid sense of life aboard the ship during its active years. A panoramic theater within the ship presents historical scenes through film and video, and numerous historical documents and artifacts are on display.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- History of Dingyuan Warship
- Other Attractions in Weihai Urban Area
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Included in the ticket for Liugong Island |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0631-5207806 0086-0631-5232718 |
Location and Transportation
The Dingyuan warship is located within the Liugong Island Scenic Area on Haibin North Road, Huancui District, Weihai City, Shandong Province. To reach the site from within the city, you can take bus numbers 1, 7, 9, 13, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, or 26 and get off at the Haigang Passenger Station. From there, it is a short walk to the scenic area where the Dingyuan warship is situated.
History of Dingyuan Warship
The Dingyuan was commissioned by the Qing government and constructed by the Vulcan Shipyard in Germany, costing nearly 1.7 million taels of silver. Launched on November 28, 1883, the Dingyuan was an ironclad warship, notable for its heavy armor, large tonnage, and formidable firepower, making it a rare and formidable presence in the world navies of the time. The ship’s robust construction and powerful armament earned it the nickname “First Iron Ship.”
On September 17, 1894, the Dingyuan, alongside its sister ship Zhenyuan, led the Beiyang Fleet in a decisive battle against the Imperial Japanese Navy’s Combined Fleet in the Yellow Sea. During the battle, the Dingyuan sustained 159 hits and the Zhenyuan 220 hits, yet the armor and gun turret protections of both ships withstood impacts up to 102 millimeters in diameter, demonstrating their remarkable resilience and durability.
However, in the early hours of February 5, 1895, during the defense of Weihai, the Dingyuan was attacked by Japanese torpedo boats. In response, Admiral Ding Ruchang ordered the ship to be run aground on the southern side of Liugong Island before it could sink, to use its cannons to bolster the island’s eastern defenses. Forced to evacuate the Dingyuan, Admiral Ding Ruchang transferred his command to the Zhenyuan. On February 10, 1895, Admiral Ding Ruchang and his deputy, Liu Buchan, ordered the scuttling of the beached Dingyuan using torpedoes to prevent its capture by the Japanese.
The replica of the Dingyuan warship not only serves as a monument to the technological advancements and maritime strength of the Qing Dynasty but also as a poignant reminder of the bravery and strategic efforts of the Beiyang Fleet during one of China’s pivotal naval conflicts. Visitors to the ship can immerse themselves in this rich history and gain an appreciation for the ship’s significant role in Chinese naval heritage.
