A skiing tourist was injured in a snow leopard attack while returning to a hotel in Fuyun County, Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on January 23, 2026. Photo: Screenshot from the Yangtze Evening News

Local authorities in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, said in a statement on Friday that a skiing tourist was injured in a snow leopard attack while returning to a hotel on Friday evening. The individual is now in stable condition after receiving hospital treatment.

The incident occurred at around 7 pm on Friday in the Talat village area of Koktokay Township. The tourist was returning to a hotel when attacked by a snow leopard in a roadside forest belt. After the incident was reported to the police, the injured tourist was promptly transported to a hospital for treatment. Local authorities said the victim is in a stable condition.

In response, local forestry and grassland bureau, the public security bureau, and other departments have increased safety patrols, protective measures, and public awareness efforts in the surrounding areas, according to the statement.

Local authorities have urged residents and tourists to  follow safety guidelines, maintain a safe distance when encountering wild animals, and promptly report such situations to the police to ensure personal safety.

Videos circulating online showed a tourist wearing a purple ski suit lying on the snow, while a snow leopard stood nearby in a watchful posture. Other footage showed the injured individual being assisted by others, with visible blood on the face, the China News reported.

Global Times