Donations of $6m to rebuild Zhiyuan warship

Private enterprises and individuals in Dandong, Liaoning province, have donated 37 million yuan ($6 million) to rebuild the warship Zhiyuan to commemorate the Sino-Japanese naval battle of 1894, Beijing Times reported on Friday.

In order to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese naval battle, Dandong Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co is rebuilding the armored cruiser that was attacked by Japanese warships and sank with 246 officers and soldiers aboard.

The vessel will be built to the original size of 81.38 meters long, 11.58 meters wide and 6.4 meters high. Construction started on May 5 and is planned to be completed before Sept 17, the anniversary of the day the naval battle started in 1894. The rebuilt warship will be mainly for exhibition so will not have engines installed.