The Meiji Emperor visited the ship at Yokosuka on 25 November 1896, after which "Chin Yen" embarked on a tour of Japan to celebrate the country's victory over China. With the of modern pre-dreadnought battleships nearing completion, "Chin Yen" was classified as a second class battleship, though she remained in service with the Combined Fleet until 21 March 1898, when she became the flagship of the Reserve Fleet. By that time, both "Fuji"-class ships had entered service, replacing her as the largest and most powerful vessels in the fleet. Over the next several years, "Chin Yen" was occupied with cruises in Japanese waters and visits to numerous ports in the country. During the Boxer Rebellion in China, she served with the forces of the Eight Nation Alliance during the Battle of Tientsin, helping to break the siege of the city.