Yangwei was a cruiser built for the Imperial Chinese Navy. The vessel was constructed by Charles Mitchell & Company in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, based on a design by Sir George Wightwick Rendel that had previously been utilized for the Chilean Navy vessel Arturo Prat.
The Yangwei was one of two ships ordered by the Chinese government, the other being the Chaoyong. Throughout their service careers, both vessels operated together as part of the Beiyang Fleet. They were stationed at Taku during the summer months and moved to Chemulpo, Korea, for the winter.