Qiantang River is the biggest river in Zhejiang Province, running from the west to Hangzhou Bay in the east and plays an important role in water transportation between the east and west. The river is encircled by a group of economically booming cities, including Shanghai, China's leading industrial and commercial hub, and Ningbo, one of China's leading port cities. Qiantang River's extraordinary surging tide is a world-renowned natural wonder caused by the gravitational pull of the stars and planets. The centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the earth and Hangzhou Bay's peculiar bottleneck shape makes it easy for the tide to come in but not go out.

Qiantang River's soaring tide is such a marvelous spectacle that only the Amazon River's surging tide can compare. Annually, millions of people from both home and abroad flock here to observe the magnificent tide on the 18th day of the eighth lunar month (also around the Mid-Autumn Day Festival). When the surging tide comes in, the water can rise up to 30 feet, causing a thunderous sound - like that of a thousand galloping horses.

Crossing the river is the Qiantang River Bridge, designed by the famous Chinese engineer Mao Yisheng, who defied the theory held by foreigners that it was impossible to construct a bridge in this particular area. As China's first self-designed and self-constructed bridge, the project lasted from April 1934 to September 1937. Qiantang River Bridge stretches over a distance of 1,453 meters. It is also the first modern double-layered bridge in China. The bridge's upper layer is a highway and the layer below, a railway. Looking out from the Six Harmonies Pagoda, one can get a panoramic view of the mighty Qiantang River, the majestic Qiantang River Bridge, and the surrounding landscape.

  Riding the wave

The annual arrival of the tidal bore to Qianjiang River in Haining, Zhejiang Province, is an impressive event that is worth a visit - provided that tourists don't stand too close to the guardrails. Since the rushing tide can be life threatening, it is crucial to follow the advice of local authorities regarding safety and security measures.

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