A development program, code-named "055", initiated in 1976 was cancelled in 1983 after encountering insurmountable technical obstacles from industrial underdevelopment; for example, the required gas turbine power plants could neither be produced domestically, nor imported at acceptable prices.

[2][3] The Type 055 is expected to undertake expeditionary missions and form the primary escort for Chinese aircraft carriers.

[4][7] Nanchang is the lead ship of the class and laid down in December 2014 at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

She made her first public appearance preceding commissioning was during the PLAN's 70th anniversary parade on 23 April 2019.

[14] On 22 May 2022, Nanchang conducted drills in the East China Sea as a part of the Liaoning Carrier Group; and they were sighted near Miyako Island by the JMSDF.