18 Vacationers Hit by Flash Flood in Chengde, Hebei

A Sudden Night of Terror: Flash Flood Hits Vacationers 🌊

When Li, her friends, and six children ventured to the refreshing mountains of Qing Song Ling near Chengde for a summer getaway, they could not have anticipated the night ahead. At around 3 a.m. on July 27th, a devastating flash flood crashed through the guest house they were staying at, flooding up to their beds. Imagine being woken by a flood invading your room—definitely not the kind of wake-up call anyone wants! 😰

Despite the chaos, the landlady quickly helped evacuate all 18 people to a higher mountain shelter. With no time to grab belongings and phones without signal or power, the group huddled together in a vacant house praying for safety. This experience not only highlights nature’s raw power but the importance of quick thinking and calm during emergencies.

Scenes from the Flood: Nature’s Wrath Unleashed 🌧️

Videos shared by Li show muddy waters engulfing roads, uprooting trees, and sweeping away cars—including four private vehicles of the group, like Li’s Ford SUV. The devastating force of water even pushed away large trucks, transforming the peaceful mountain retreat into a scene from a disaster movie.

For many locals and visitors, the aftermath continues to disrupt daily life: damaged roads, crippled communication, and ongoing rescue efforts. These images remind us how critical infrastructure resilience and early warning systems are in such prone mountainous regions.

Community Resilience & Rescue Efforts 🤝

The morning after the flood, relief began with local villagers providing fresh noodles to the stranded tourists, exemplifying community warmth amid crisis. Gradually, roads were cleared, buses arrived to evacuate the stranded, and communication services started to restore, although with challenges.

Authorities reported that about a third of the tourists have left the affected Qing Song Ling area, but recovery is ongoing. Rescue teams work tirelessly to clear landslides and mudflows, while officials coordinate closely to manage the complex terrain where Hebei meets Beijing and Tianjin.

Lessons Learned & Travel Precautions 🧳

This incident serves as a reminder for all travelers: always check weather updates and emergency plans before heading to mountainous or flood-prone areas. What started as a peaceful retreat turned into a survival story, showcasing the unpredictability of nature and the strength of human spirit.

When nature calls in force, safety first! Always heed local warnings and have contingency plans. And perhaps pack a waterproof phone case next time! 😉