Global tourists flock to China's Zhangjiajie for cool mountain getaway

As a relentless summer heat wave prompts travelers worldwide to seek refuge in cooler climates, China's Zhangjiajie is emerging as a top international destination.

Thanks to its high-altitude climate and spectacular mountain scenery, the central Chinese city is offering a refreshing escape from soaring global temperatures.

Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park boasts an impressive forest coverage rate of 98 percent, creating a lush natural "air conditioner". Meanwhile, the nearby Tianmen Mountain scenic area, situated more than 1,500 meters above sea level, offers a consistently pleasant and breezy summer retreat.

Among the most popular attractions for international visitors is the iconic 999-step stairway leading to Tianmen Cave, a breathtaking natural arch that has become a must-see landmark for those making the ascent.

For many visitors, the combination of natural beauty and comfortable weather offers a stark contrast to the sweltering conditions elsewhere.

"Zhangjiajie is really, really pretty. It's so nice here. The streams, they wrap around the valleys. It's super cool. The locals are so friendly,the roads are very clean and nice. It's the best summer spot ever," said Marija, a tourist from Belgium.

Beyond the comfortable climate, the rich biodiversity and local heritage are also captivating travelers.

"Here, it's very natural. So I appreciate the environment, the monkeys, the trees, the mountains. We taste very good food, too. And we learn about the culture," said Isabelle Sala Jaboulet, a tourist from France.

The drastic drop in temperature at higher elevations is a major selling point for the region.

"When we went up, ascended all the way to the mountains, the temperature was actually really nice. And especially alongside the mountains, there was a nice breeze, which really helps cool down. And it was great actually for walks and everything. And I do think it could be a summer resort. I think it would be great. The temperatures are very regulated, and the views are out of this world," said Aida Sivic, a tourist from the Netherlands.

Sien, another tourist from Belgium, highlighted how Zhangjiajie's unique landscape differs from that of Europe.

"It's also a very beautiful sight. We are from Belgium also, so we don't have anything like this back home. It feels really magical," she said.

Global tourists flock to China's Zhangjiajie for cool mountain getaway

Typhoon Noul, the 12th typhoon of the year, made landfall in Huidong County of Huizhou City in south China's Guangdong Province, at about 03:50 Sunday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

At the time of landfall, the storm packed maximum winds near its center reaching Force 14, the NMC said.

By 05:00, the typhoon had moved to Daya Bay in Huizhou, with its intensity downgraded slightly to Force 13. The storm is moving northwestward at a speed of 10 to 15 kilometers per hour and is expected to weaken gradually as it progresses further inland.

Typhoon Noul marks the most powerful typhoon to make landfall east of the Pearl River Estuary in the past ten years. Meteorologists warn that the storm brings a dangerous compounding effect of high winds, torrential rain, and massive waves, significantly elevating the risk of severe secondary disasters, including urban waterlogging, flash floods, mudslides, and landslides.

In response to the threat, local authorities issued an advisory early Sunday morning, urging the public to closely monitor official weather updates and strictly adhere to local emergency protocols. Officials warned that evacuated residents must not leave designated shelters to ensure their safety.

The NMC on Saturday activated a red alert, the highest level in the country's typhoon warning system, before the landfall.

It expects heavy to torrential rainfall to impact central, eastern, and southern Guangdong, southern Fujian Province, southern Jiangxi Province, southeastern Hunan Province, and southeastern Taiwan Island through 22:00 on Sunday.

Typhoon Noul makes landfall in south China's Guangdong, bringing strong wind, heavy rain