Typhoon Noul Triggers Jiuzhaigou Mudslide Evacuations and 350 Hong Kong Flight Cancellations (July 2026) — What Travelers Must Know
Typhoon Noul, the strongest storm of 2026, made landfall in Guangdong on July 26 forcing 715,000 evacuations, canceling 350+ Hong Kong flights, and triggering mudslides that closed two valleys at Jiuzhaigou National Park. Here's what affected travelers need to do next.
Key takeaway
Typhoon Noul — the strongest typhoon of 2026 — made landfall in Guangdong Province on July 26, 2026, forcing 715,000 evacuations and canceling 350+ flights at Hong Kong International Airport. The storm's heavy rainfall triggered mudslides at Jiuzhaigou National Park (Sichuan), closing two of three valleys — upper Rize Valley and all of Zechawa Valley — on July 27. Shuzheng Valley and lower Rize Valley remain open with free entry. A nationwide red flash-flood alert remains active across multiple provinces.
Full report
What Changed
On Sunday, July 26, 2026, Typhoon Noul made landfall along the coast of Guangdong Province as a severe tropical storm, bringing sustained winds exceeding 120 km/h (75 mph) and torrential rainfall across southern China. According to the Associated Press via CBS News, the Hong Kong Observatory raised the Typhoon Signal No. 8 — the city's third-highest warning level — keeping most businesses and public transport shut through midday Sunday. The Hong Kong Airport Authority confirmed that approximately 350 flights were canceled on July 26, with at least nine people injured across the city during the storm.
In Guangdong Province, the provincial emergency management department ordered the evacuation of over 715,000 people from coastal and low-lying areas, according to The Guardian. This makes Noul the third typhoon to hit China in July 2026 alone, following Typhoon Bavi earlier in the month — a frequency that has strained disaster response resources across the region.
Jiuzhaigou National Park: Two Valleys Closed After Mudslides
The storm's heavy rainfall extended far inland, triggering mudslides at Jiuzhaigou National Park in northern Sichuan Province at approximately 3:50 PM local time on July 26. According to Reuters via U.S. News, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV confirmed that stranded tourists were evacuated from the UNESCO World Heritage site on Monday, July 27.
The Jiuzhaigou Administration Bureau announced the following closures effective July 27, as reported by Travelers Today:
- Rize Valley (upper portion): Closed from Arrow Bamboo Lake and above, including the lake itself
- Zechawa Valley: Entire valley closed due to mudslide risks
- Shuzheng Valley and the lower section of Rize Valley remain open to visitors
As a goodwill measure, the administration is offering free entry to the remaining open sections of the park. No reopening date has been announced for the closed valleys.
Nationwide Flash-Flood Alert
The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued a red alert — the highest level in China's four-tier warning system — for flash floods across multiple provinces, including parts of Sichuan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian, according to DevDiscourse. The alert remains in effect as residual rain bands from Typhoon Noul continue to affect central and southwestern China.
What to do next
- Check your flight status immediately if traveling through Hong Kong, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen through July 31. 2. Contact your Jiuzhaigou tour operator or ticket provider for refunds or date changes if visiting between July 27–August 3. 3. Monitor the Hong Kong Observatory and China Meteorological Administration for updated weather alerts before traveling to mountain or coastal areas.
What may vary
The reopening timeline for Jiuzhaigou's closed valleys depends on weather conditions and slope stability assessments — no official date has been set. Flight schedules at Hong Kong International Airport are normalizing but individual airlines may operate reduced frequencies through July 31. The free-entry policy for Jiuzhaigou's open sections may end without notice once full operations resume.
FAQ
Is Jiuzhaigou National Park completely closed after the July 2026 mudslides?
No. Only the upper portion of Rize Valley (above Arrow Bamboo Lake) and all of Zechawa Valley are closed as of July 27, 2026. Shuzheng Valley and the lower section of Rize Valley remain open with free entry.
Will my Hong Kong flight be canceled due to Typhoon Noul?
Flight operations at Hong Kong International Airport have resumed since the afternoon of July 26, 2026, but residual delays and schedule adjustments continue. Check your flight status directly with your airline — approximately 350 flights were canceled during the storm's peak.
Can I get a refund for my Jiuzhaigou tickets if the valleys are closed?
Yes, you can request a refund or date change through the Jiuzhaigou Administration Bureau's official booking platform or your tour operator. The park is offering free entry to the remaining open sections as compensation.
Is it safe to travel to southern China right now after Typhoon Noul?
The typhoon has passed, but residual heavy rain and flash-flood risks persist across Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Sichuan. The China Meteorological Administration's red alert remains active. Check local conditions before traveling to mountain or coastal areas.