The German-built cruisers Nanrui and Nanchen, together with several other ships of the Nanyang Fleet, withdrew to Nanking. In late August 1884 Admiral Courbet ordered Parseval to leave Shanghai. The lone French cruiser had lain within range of the Nanyang Fleet for a whole week after the outbreak of war, but the Chinese made no attempt to attack her.
The German-built cruisers Nanrui and Nanchen, along with several other ships of the Nanyang Fleet, retreated to Nanking. In late August 1884 Admiral Courbet instructed Parseval to depart from Shanghai. The solitary French cruiser had been within range of the Nanyang Fleet for a full week following the start of hostilities, yet the Chinese did not make any effort to attack it.