Footage shows the aftermath of a devastating collapse of a large rainshelter at a popular tourist spot resulting in the injury of at least 20 people.

The video recorded at the shelter at the 72 Strange Buildings Scenic Area cultural landmark, in the city of Zhangjiajie, in Hunan, China, shows the devastating collapse on February 3.

The incident, which left five people in hospital, among which one with severe injuries, and 17 others under medical observation, reportedly happened after a steel-structured canopy collapsed on them.

It was triggered by severe snowstorms and freezing rain, Chinese media reported.

Emergency and rescue crews rushed to the site to treat the injured after the incident was reported. Meanwhile, police launched a probe into the case.

Located in the Yongding District, the 109.9-metre-tall (360 feet) 72 Tujia Stilted Buildings Scenic Area, spreads over an area of 110,000 square metres (1,184,030 square feet).

As of 2019, it awaits approval from Guinness to claim the title of the tallest Tujia stilted building in the world.

It is divided into three parts including buildings, markets, and scenery, covering leisure business forms such as bars, workshops, and museums.