[1][2] Hai'an and her sister ship Yuyuen were the largest vessels built in China until the cruiser Ping Hai in 1931.

The propulsion system consisted of a 1,750 ihp (1,300 kW) reciprocating engine with a single shaft, enabling a cruising speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph).

Furthermore, due to the use of low quality pine from Oregon and Vancouver in the construction of the vessels meant that the timbers were showing obvious signs of rot after a few months of use.

The cost of the two ships meant that Yuyuen was not initially manned as there was not sufficient funds remaining to pay for her crew.

[2] During the Sino-French War, Hai'an was prepared to be used as a blockship should the French Navy attempt to attack Shanghai.