Public Safety, Environment

Heavy Rains Trigger Flash Flood at Yunnan's Tiger Leaping Gorge, Resort Closes

Sudden heavy rain on July 18 brought flash flooding to the Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area in Lijiang, Yunnan. A building collapsed and trails were flooded as firefighters and park staff evacuated visitors.

• Flash flood hit the resort on July 18 after heavy rain.
• One building collapsed and some walkways were washed out.
• Firefighters and staff evacuated visitors; the park is now closed.

On July 18, heavy rain in Lijiang, Yunnan triggered flash flooding at the world-famous Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area. A building collapsed and parts of the trail network were submerged as water rushed down mountain gullies and along the paths. Local firefighters and park staff worked together to evacuate visitors. The resort was closed the following day as a precaution. Tiger Leaping Gorge, a deep canyon carved by the Yangtze and a major climbing and trekking destination, is especially vulnerable during the monsoon season because its steep gorges channel water with little warning. Officials have reminded visitors that mountain scenery trails can become deadly in minutes when rain hits upstream catchments. The incident is a reminder that even iconic natural attractions carry hidden risks during sudden storms, and that rapid evacuation plans — not just scenic beauty — determine whether an incident stays local.