One tourist has been killed by falling rocks at a scenic site in northern China, according to reports.

Rocks crashed through a cliff-side walkway and fell on to the heads of a group of tourists at the Jinsixia Gorge in Shaanxi province, according to Xinhua news agency and a spokeswoman at the site.

Eighteen other people were injured with two tourists said to be in a critical condition.

The gorge was closed to visitors following the accident.

Like much of northern China, the area has seen unusually heavy rain recently.

Jinsixia boasts natural attractions such as caves and forests and the area is home to several tourist resorts.