A peregrine falcon, the world's fastest bird, attacked a drone surveilling the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Scenic Area in central China's Hunan Province on Thursday, with this thrilling and unexpected aerial encounter captured on camera by park staff members.
The incident bears witness to the incredible agility and speed of this apex predator.
On the misty afternoon, as the drone soared through the majestic canyon, it was suddenly struck by the falcon. The bird, with its lightning-fast reflexes, swooped past the camera, momentarily disappearing from view. Just seconds later, the falcon reappeared, swooping directly towards the drone.
"It suddenly appeared in front of the camera while we were observing," said Xu Ruichu, a staff member of the scenic area.
The drone managed to capture the falcon's bold attack. Confirmed by local forestry authorities, the bird was identified as a medium-sized raptor - a peregrine falcon, a national second-class protected wild animal.
Peregrine falcons are among the world's fastest flying birds, capable of reaching speeds up to 320 km/h.
The lush vegetation and excellent ecological environment of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon provide a habitat for numerous bird species and wildlife.
Speeding falcon strikes drone in dramatic Zhangjiajie aerial clash
A large number of international guests have been drawn to Ninghai County in east China's Zhejiang Province, immersing themselves in the culture of its villages and enjoying warm welcomes from local people eager to share their traditional practices.
Recently, a traditional long-table banquet was held in the county's Qiantong Ancient Town, an exceptionally well-preserved town built during the Song Dynasty (960–1279).
Given the rising popularity of rural tourism in China, it was no surprise that the 300 tickets for the event sold out within a few minutes. However, local organizers had not expected the event to bring so many guests from overseas to the 200-meter-long table.
"I especially like the tall (long) table, it's actually a new experience for me," said an international visitor.
"The atmosphere here is lively and I really like it. The dishes arrived still hot, crispy and delicious," said another overseas guest.
Inspired by the stories of Xu Xiake, an explorer and travel writer from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), more than 100 overseas students also visited old villages in the county, where they learned traditional crafting techniques like paper cutting.
"I can experience traditional culture and I also like that in this village. There are some old traditional things," said an overseas student.
"This place is so beautiful, with many delicious foods," another student said.
The students also learned to make a kind of traditional dessert that symbolizes good wishes for longevity.
"It's my first time to see it. It's very interesting. I want to learn new things," said one of the students.
"I feel really amazed there, really happy. I was really enjoying this experience to do it," said another.
Local people were more than willing to share these ancient practices with young people from around the world.
"Through hands-on experience, our foreign friends can more easily understand our traditional culture. Our communication like this is more sincere and unforgettable," said Liang Lanlan, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor.
Traditional culture in east China county draws international guests
