Group photo of German artillery during the German occupation of Qingdao

On the early morning of November 14, the tide was falling. In fine weather and a slight east wind, the German naval landing troops boarded the trestle and quickly arranged their troops on the square in front of the Qiaotou barracks. The Germans quickly occupied the signal hill and established a communication signal station. At 8 o'clock, Colonel Cai, who commanded the entire landing force, led the troops from the Qiaotou camp through the small village to the music of the Prussian march. At this time, the Chinese soldiers were practicing in front of the camps.

After taking control of all the Qing army's barracks and ammunition depots and cutting off the telegraph lines, the German Navy Commander sent his adjutant, Captain Feng Amon, to the General Military Office and ordered Zhang Gaoyuan to withdraw his troops from Qingdao. When the German naval troops arrived at the General Command Yamen, the Qing army was still holding a gun salute. Zhang Gaoyuan approached Dietrich and asked the adjutant to go back and ask Dietrich if he could attend the banquet the next day at his invitation. However, when Zhang Gaoyuan received the ultimatum from Dietrich, he was shocked and panicked. Zhang Gaoyuan immediately sent a telegram to Beiyang Minister Wang Wenshao and Shandong Governor Li Bingheng. It was said that the German troops came ashore one after another and surrounded the military camp. At 3 o'clock, the garrison soldiers were evacuated from Nugukou and Laoshan. Only one cart of firearms was allowed, and no artillery positions were allowed. It took 48 hours to evacuate.

At this time, Beiyang Minister Wang Wenshao and Shandong Governor, who received the telegram, immediately reported to the Qing government. After receiving the news, the Qing government was immediately at a loss. After much consideration, the military aircraft sent a message to the Beiyang Minister and Shandong Governor according to the will of Guangxu: Although the enemy is hostile, the imperial court will never move troops. If you speak of a decisive battle lightly and set up an army, it will shake the sea and delay the overall situation. Zhang Gaoyuan was ordered to be stationed near Jiaoao, and was not allowed to act rashly unless ordered.

After leaving the German warship, Zhang Gaoyuan led the team to Yantai. When the Qing army withdrew, the German army attacked with artillery fire, causing one death and four injuries to the Qing soldiers, and the weapons, tents and food were robbed. So Jiaoao was occupied by the German army. The weak and incompetent Qing government and Zhang Gaoyuan, who retreated without a fight, gave up Qingdao. On March 6, 1898, China and Germany signed the "Jiaoao Leasing Treaty". Since then, Qingdao has been reduced to a German lease for 17 years.