Typhoon Dolphin Hits East China: Travel Alert (Aug 2026)
Typhoon Dolphin, the strongest storm to hit China in 2026, made landfall in Zhejiang on August 9 with 151 km/h winds, triggering over 1 million evacuations and 1,400 flight cancellations across eastern China.
Key takeaway
Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in Taizhou, Zhejiang on Aug 9, 2026 with 151 km/h winds. Over 1M evacuated, 1,400 flights canceled across Shanghai and eastern China. Check flights and trains before traveling to Shanghai, Zhejiang, or Fujian.
Full guide
Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, around 5:30 PM on Sunday, August 9, 2026. It's the strongest tropical cyclone to hit China this year. Sustained winds reached 151 km/h (94 mph) at landfall.
China's National Meteorological Centre issued a red typhoon alert — the highest level — alongside six other simultaneous weather warnings: an orange rainstorm alert, a red flash flood warning, and alerts for landslides and geological hazards.
Current Situation
Flights
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) airports canceled roughly 60% of scheduled flights on Sunday, August 9. That's about 1,300 to 1,400 cancellations. Airlines are rebooking passengers for Monday evening (August 10), but schedules are still uncertain. Check with your airline before heading to either airport.
If your flight was canceled, most carriers are waiving change fees for bookings between August 9 and 11. Contact your airline directly — don't rely on airport information screens.
Rail
High-speed rail services through Zhejiang and Fujian have been partially suspended. If you hold tickets on routes passing through these provinces, check 12306 (the official China Railway app) or Trip.com for the latest status. Don't go to the station without confirming your train is running.
Evacuations and Flood Risk
Over 1 million people were evacuated across Zhejiang and Fujian before the storm hit. Taizhou alone moved 390,000 residents to safety.
The bigger concern now is rain. Forecasters expect 250 to 500 mm of rain across central and eastern Zhejiang through August 10. That much water in 48 hours causes flash flooding — even in cities with drainage systems. Shanghai, northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, central Anhui, and much of Jiangsu are all under torrential rain warnings.
China's emergency management ministry sent response teams to Zhejiang and Fujian. Flood emergency levels: Zhejiang and Fujian at Level III, Jiangsu and Anhui at Level IV. (China's four-level system runs I through IV, with I being the most severe.)
The storm itself is weakening and tracking northeast toward Japan's Amami Islands. The rain keeps falling, and flooding remains the main threat for the next 24 to 48 hours.
What This Means for You
If you're traveling in or through Shanghai, Zhejiang, or Fujian:
- Check flights before leaving. Both PVG and SHA are running at reduced capacity. Contact your airline. Most carriers are waiving change fees for August 9-11 bookings.
- Verify train status. Use the 12306 app or Trip.com. Some routes through Zhejiang and Fujian are suspended.
- Follow evacuation orders. If local authorities tell you to leave a coastal area, go. The flood risk is serious — 500 mm of rain in two days can overwhelm drainage and cause flash floods even in urban neighborhoods.
- Monitor official updates. The National Meteorological Centre (nmc.cn) issues regular warnings. For emergencies: dial 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), or 119 (fire).
- Delay non-essential travel. If you were planning to visit Zhejiang or Fujian in the next few days, push it back to at least August 11 or 12. If you absolutely must travel, bring a charged power bank and have a flexible backup plan.
How to do it
Check your flight status — contact your airline before going to the airport. Both PVG and SHA airports are at reduced capacity with ~60% of flights canceled.
Verify train schedules — use the 12306 app or Trip.com to check if your train is still running through Zhejiang or Fujian.
Monitor weather warnings — check nmc.cn for updated typhoon and flood warnings. Heavy rain continues through August 10.
Follow evacuation orders — if local authorities tell you to leave a coastal area, go immediately. The flood risk from 500mm of rain is serious.
Delay non-essential travel — if you were planning to visit Zhejiang or Fujian in the next few days, push it back to at least August 11-12.
Watch for
❌ Going to the airport without checking flight status → ✅ Contact your airline first. Many flights are canceled and airport screens may be outdated.
❌ Assuming all trains are running if you don't see a cancellation notice → ✅ Actively check 12306 or Trip.com. Partial suspensions may not notify all ticket holders.
❌ Ignoring evacuation orders because the storm seems far away → ✅ Flooding from 500mm of rain can happen even without direct storm impact. Follow local instructions.
FAQ
Which areas are most affected by Typhoon Dolphin?
Zhejiang Province (especially Taizhou where it made landfall), Shanghai, northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, central and southern Anhui, and much of Jiangsu.
Are Shanghai airports closed?
No, but both Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) are operating at reduced capacity with about 60% of flights canceled on August 9.
What emergency numbers should I know in China?
Police: 110, Ambulance: 120, Fire: 119. These numbers work nationwide.