Windsurfer Yin Jian won China's first ever gold in a sailing discipline when she held on to the top spot by taking third in the medal race at Qingdao this morning.
Her main rival Alessandra Sensini did all she could to change the standings by winning the final race of the series but Yin's late surge from sixth to third repelled the challenge.
Briton Bryony Shaw took bronze in the RS:X class.
Needing to finish in the first three in her medal race to be assured of a medal, the 25-year-old Shaw claimed second despite a close encounter with her Spanish rival Marina Alabau on the race for home.
The pair touched as they turned but the judges penalised Alabau, virtually ending her chances.
Shaw's second-placed finish could have seen her climb further up the standings, but Yin's late burst ensured she had to settle for bronze.
"I'm just so happy," she said. "Thank you to everyone for supporting me.
"It was such a hard race and such a hard week, and I'm just so happy - it's the best thing in the world."
Shaw's third position brought Britain a fifth medal in the sailing regatta.