Huangdao was originally an isolated island. In 1888, the Beiyang Guards entered Liugong Island. In preparation for war, they filled stones and built roads to connect Huangdao Island with Liugong Island, built forts, and blocked the northern entrance of Weihai Bay together with the Beibang Fort.
In August 1898, Britain forcibly leased Weihaiwei, and representatives from China and Britain held a leasing ceremony in Huangdao, which became a historical witness of Britain's forced lease of Weihaiwei.