The Qiantang River runs through
Yanguan Town, Haining City, 45 kilometers to the Northeast of Hangzhou City,
Zhejiang Province. It originates from the border of Anhui and Jiangxi provinces,
flows to the Ease Sea at the Hangzhou Bay. It meanders along over 600
kilometers, including 360 kilometers in Zhejiang Province. It used to be called
Zhejiang River, Lucha River or Qujiang River.
The tides of the Qiantang River are
the most magnificent and grandest in China. The tide can shore as high as 8
meters, and surge forward at nearly 10 meters per second. As it rushes to the
shore, it roars like thunders. The river runs to the East Sea at the Hangzhou
Bay. The inside part of the bayou (only a few kilometers at least) is very
narrow while the outer part can be as wide as 100 kilometers. When the seawater
flows to the bayou, it suffers more restriction from the narrowing banks as it
goes further to the inner part. The seawater is forced to rise higher and
higher. In addition, the water of the Qiantang River is also held back as it
tries to empty into the sea. Therefore, the water level is increased and an
upright water wall is formed. In addition, more seawater joins together to
create more water walls, stirring up one great tide after another. Such grand
views can only be found in two places, one in Amazon of Brazil and the other in
the Qiantang River. People are so overwhelmed by its grandeur that they call it
a world wonder. The tides can be different if you take different positions. Line
tide can be seen at the tower, the converging tide can be seen at Babao, and the
back tide can be seen at Laoyancang. The best days to watch the tide will be
around August 18 of the lunar calendar.
There are many other good scenes worthy to
see on the riverbanks. The Liuhe Tower on Yuelun Mountain on the northern bank
of the river is nearly 60 meters high and covers an area of 900 square meters.
Upstairs in the tower, you can enjoy beautiful views on every floor. Near the
tower, you can find the Xiujiang Pagoda, the tower boy statue in Liuhe, the bell
ring in the Liuhe, the exhibition hall of Chinese ancient towers, and others.