What happened at China’s cliff swing attraction? Teen’s fatal fall triggers massive online backlash
A fatal accident involving a teenage tourist at a cliff swing attraction in China occurred on May 3 at the Maliuyan Expedition Park in Huaying, Sichuan province, where a 16-year-old tourist identified by her surname Liu died after falling from a cliff swing suspended over a 168-metre canyon.
Videos circulating on social media reportedly show Liu repeatedly warning staff that her safety rope did not feel secure before the ride began.
“I am not tied tight,” she could be heard saying in the footage.
According to reports, staff members allegedly ignored her concerns before launching the ride. Moments later, the harness detached, and Liu fell into the gorge below. She was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival, local authorities said.
The footage, recorded by friends who were with her at the park, has gone viral on Chinese social media and internationally, drawing widespread criticism over alleged negligence by staff at the attraction.
Authorities later described the incident as a “work safety liability accident caused by enterprise negligence.” The park has since been temporarily closed while investigations continue.
The case has become one of the most discussed travel-related incidents in China this year, with reports stating that the original video received more than 200 million views online.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
