Typhoon Dolphin Makes Double Landfall in Zhejiang — 1M+ Evacuated, Shanghai Flights Canceled (August 2026)
Super Typhoon Dolphin made two landfalls on China's Zhejiang coast on August 9, 2026, with 151 km/h winds. Over 1 million evacuated, 1,500 flights canceled in Shanghai, and a red alert — the country's highest storm warning. Here is what travelers in eastern China need to know.
Key takeaway
Super Typhoon Dolphin made two landfalls on China's Zhejiang coast on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with sustained winds of 151 km/h (94 mph). It was the strongest storm to hit China this year, triggering the country's highest red alert. Over one million people were evacuated, and close to 1,500 flights were canceled at Shanghai's Pudong and Hongqiao airports. Rail services in the Yangtze River Delta were partially suspended. The storm has weakened but heavy rain and flood risks continue through Wednesday, August 12.
Full guide
Super Typhoon Dolphin made landfall twice on China's eastern coast on Sunday, August 9, 2026, after a dramatic course reversal that saw the storm strike Okinawa, Japan, before swinging back toward Zhejiang Province. The strongest storm to hit China this year triggered the country's highest red alert, forced over one million people to evacuate, and grounded more than 1,300 flights in Shanghai alone.
Dolphin first struck the Zhejiang coast with sustained winds of 151 km/h (94 mph), then made a second landfall near Wenzhou around 18:40 local time. China's National Meteorological Center (NMC) had upgraded Zhejiang's alert to orange on August 8 as the storm reversed course from Japan back toward the mainland — a shift that caught many travelers off guard after earlier forecasts had pointed the storm safely toward Okinawa.
Impact on Travel: What's Happening Now
Flights: Shanghai's Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) airports canceled close to 1,500 flights between Saturday evening and Sunday. Ningbo International Airport suspended operations entirely on August 9 but resumed at midday on Monday, August 10 — though the airport warned that residual delays and cancellations are likely through midweek. China Eastern, Air China, and China Southern are offering free rebooking for affected passengers.
Rail: Some high-speed and conventional rail services in the Yangtze River Delta were suspended. Travelers with train tickets through Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, or Wenzhou should check 12306.cn or Trip.com for the latest schedule updates.
Weather continuing: Although Dolphin weakened after landfall, the NMC maintained an orange rain alert through Wednesday, August 12. Heavy rain and flood risks extend inland to parts of Beijing and central China. Authorities are warning of potential landslides and river flooding through midweek.
Scenic spots and attractions: Zhejiang province closed coastal scenic areas and suspended ferry services. If you have plans in Hangzhou, Ningbo, or Wenzhou this week, confirm with your accommodation and attraction before heading out.
Timeline: How This Storm Unfolded
- July 31: China's Ministry of Water Resources issued an initial warning — Typhoon Dolphin was forming and could threaten eastern China between August 1-15.
- August 3: Dolphin intensified to super typhoon status (Category 5-equivalent, 280 km/h winds), with forecasts converging on a Fujian-Zhejiang landfall.
- August 4: A sudden course change veered the storm toward Okinawa, Japan — China's east coast threat appeared to ease significantly.
- August 7: Dolphin struck Okinawa, canceling 500+ flights and leaving ~17,000 without power in Japan.
- August 8: In an unexpected reversal, Dolphin swung back toward China. Zhejiang's alert was upgraded to orange. Shanghai ports closed.
- August 9 (Sunday evening): Double landfall in Zhejiang. Red alert. 1M+ evacuated.
- August 10-12: Post-landfall flooding and heavy rain continuing.
What This Means for You
If you're in Shanghai or Zhejiang right now: Check your flight or train status immediately. Airlines are offering free rebooking — do it before seats fill up. If your Ningbo flight was canceled, PuDong and HongQiao are running reduced schedules but may have availability. Stay indoors during heavy rain periods and avoid coastal areas through at least Wednesday.
If you're arriving in China this week: Shanghai flights are gradually resuming, but expect residual delays. Consider routing through Beijing (PEK/PKX), Guangzhou (CAN), or Shenzhen (SZX) as alternatives — these airports were outside the storm's direct path. If you have a connecting domestic flight or train from Shanghai, build in at least a 6-hour buffer.
If you were planning to visit Hangzhou, Ningbo, or Wenzhou: Push your plans to Thursday or later if possible. Attractions and ferry services remain suspended. Even after the alert lifts, flooding and cleanup may affect access for several days.
If you're in Beijing or heading there: Heavy rain from the storm's outer bands is reaching the capital. Some suburban rail services and mountain scenic spots may be affected. Check the Beijing Meteorological Service for localized alerts.
If you already canceled based on earlier warnings: If you rebooked or canceled flights based on forecasts from August 1-5 (when the storm was expected to hit directly), check with your airline — you may be able to reinstate your original booking or rebook at no extra cost, especially for travel after August 14.
What to do next
- Check your flight status with your airline immediately. China Eastern, Air China, and China Southern offer free rebooking. 2. If traveling by train, check 12306.cn or Trip.com for schedule updates. 3. Stay indoors during heavy rain. 4. If arriving this week, consider routing through Beijing, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen. 5. Build in at least 6 hours of buffer for any connecting travel from Shanghai.
How to do it
Check your flight status on your airline's website or app before heading to the airport
If canceled, use the airline's free rebooking option — China Eastern, Air China, and China Southern all offer this
Consider alternative airports: Beijing (PEK/PKX), Guangzhou (CAN), or Shenzhen (SZX) were outside the storm path
If taking a train, verify your service on 12306.cn or Trip.com — some Yangtze Delta routes remain suspended
Stay indoors during heavy rain periods and monitor the NMC orange alert through Wednesday August 12
If your travel is flexible, rebook for August 14 or later when conditions should fully stabilize
Document all disruption for travel insurance claims — save cancellation emails, SMS, and receipts
Watch for
Assuming your flight is canceled without checking — many flights are still operating on reduced schedules
Heading to the airport without confirming your flight status first
Assuming trains are all suspended — some routes are running, check 12306.cn
Booking the first available rebooked flight without checking if it connects properly with your domestic travel
Ignoring flood warnings for areas outside the immediate landfall zone — heavy rain extends inland to Beijing
What may vary
Flight cancellation policies may differ by airline and ticket class. Rebooking availability depends on seat inventory. Rail service restoration varies by route. Flood and landslide risk varies by specific location within Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangsu provinces.
Backup plan
If your Shanghai flight is canceled and rebooking options are full, consider: (1) Flying into Beijing (PEK/PKX), Guangzhou (CAN), or Shenzhen (SZX) and taking a domestic connection or high-speed train to your final destination. (2) Taking a train from a nearby city not directly in the storm path (Nanjing, Hefei, Wuhan). (3) If you have flexible dates, rebook for after August 14 when conditions should stabilize.
FAQ
Is Typhoon Dolphin still active?
Dolphin weakened after landfall on August 9 but heavy rain and flood risks continue across eastern and central China through Wednesday, August 12. The NMC maintains an orange rain alert.
Are Shanghai airports still closed?
Shanghai's Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) airports are operating but on reduced schedules. Nearly 1,500 flights were canceled on August 9-10. Check your specific flight status before heading to the airport.
Can I get a refund or rebook my flight for free?
Yes. China Eastern, Air China, and China Southern are offering free rebooking for passengers affected by Typhoon Dolphin. Contact your airline directly with your booking reference.
Are trains running in the Yangtze Delta?
Some high-speed and conventional rail services were suspended on August 9-10. Services are gradually resuming but check 12306.cn or Trip.com for your specific route before traveling to the station.