(File photo)

The Beijing Municipal Commission for City Planning and Land Resources Management together with the Beijing Meteorological Bureau issued an orange weather warning at 9:00 a.m. this morning, July 17. The announcement specifies that those travelling to or living in the districts of Fangshan, Mentougou, Haidian, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Changping, Huairou, Miyun, Yanqing and Pinggu should be especially careful over the next 24 hour period due to high risk of flooding and natural disaster.

Due to torrential rain in China's capital city over the last 24 hours, at 8:00 a.m. this morning, Beijing Capital International Airport made the decision to cancel 142 flights. Thunderstorms in the airport district were predicted to continue until 9:30 a.m. Further flights may be delayed or cancelled, with all passengers being advised to check their flight status and contact airline companies for more detailed information.

133 scenic and tourist spots in Beijing, such as the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall, Peking Man Museum and Yunju Temple have all closed temporarily due to the heavy rainfall, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development. It's suggested to stay away from districts with more heavy rain forecast, with Beijing citizens and visitors being advised to pay attention to local weather reports and warnings, and be prepared for more rain this afternoon.