Authorities have launched an international search for a 28-year-old Belgian national who has been missing in China for over a week. Hugo Huyghebaert disappeared on March 26, 2026, while visiting the Yunnan province in the southern region of the country.
The alert follows a request from the prosecutor’s office in Namur, prompting Belgian police to issue a formal search notice. Huyghebaert had not given any sign of life since his departure for a hike in one of China’s most rugged terrains, leading investigators to coordinate efforts between Belgian and Chinese law enforcement.
The disappearance has sparked urgent appeals for information from anyone who may have seen the young man or communicated with him since late March. Investigators are particularly interested in testimonies from travelers or residents currently in the Yunnan region who might have encountered him.
Timeline of the Disappearance
According to official reports, Hugo Huyghebaert was last seen on the morning of March 26, 2026. At approximately 11:00 AM, he departed from the “Haba Xiyinge” guesthouse, located in the commune of Sanba within the Shangri-La region of Yunnan province reported by DH Les Sports+.
His intended destination was the Tiger Leaping Gorge, a renowned and challenging canyon that serves as a passage for the Yangtze River. The area is known for its steep cliffs and demanding hiking trails, which may complicate search and rescue operations in the remote terrain.
Physical Description and Identification
To assist in the search, police have provided a detailed physical description of the missing Belgian national. Hugo Huyghebaert is described as follows:
- Height: 1.80 meters
- Build: Slim
- Hair: Short, curly brown hair
- Facial Hair: He has a beard
At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a grey hiking outfit and was carrying a backpack protected by a green cover as detailed by La Libre.
International Cooperation and Reporting
The search is currently a joint effort involving both Belgian and Chinese investigators. The complexity of the geography in the Yunnan province requires localized knowledge and resources, making the collaboration between the two nations critical to the operation.
Authorities are urging any individual who has seen Hugo, has had contact with him, or is planning to travel to the Shangri-La or Sanba areas to provide any information that could lead to his location. Reports can be submitted directly to the Belgian police through the following channels:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 0800/30.300 (toll-free number)
Key Takeaways of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Hugo Huyghebaert |
| Age | 28 |
| Date Missing | March 26, 2026 |
| Last Known Location | Haba Xiyinge guesthouse, Sanba, Shangri-La, China |
| Intended Activity | Hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yangtze River) |
The next phase of the investigation will depend on the gathering of witness testimonies and the continued search of the canyon areas in Yunnan. Official updates will be released as new information becomes available via the Belgian police and the prosecutor’s office in Namur.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Hugo Huyghebaert, please contact the authorities immediately. We encourage readers to share this article to help increase the visibility of the search.