Tens of thousands of tide spectators were thrilled by the magnificent Qiantang River tidal bore in east China's Zhejiang Province, as the unique natural phenomenon entered its best viewing period.
A tidal bore is a phenomenon where the leading edge of an incoming tide creates a wave that surges up a river against the flow. It is caused by the tide-generating force, which is the result from the combined gravitational attraction between the Earth, the moon and the sun.
On Sunday, spectators gathered quite early at a tide-watching park in Yanguan Township of the province.
Around 12:15 at noon, a white ribbon appeared at the junction of water and sky, and the water waves rushed closer, clashed together, and eventually formed a giant tide line, wowing every spectator on the riverside.
The best time to witness the Qiantang River tides is during the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, and the most dramatic display is generally believed to occur on the 18th day of the month, which falls on Tuesday this year.
The Qiantang River tide can be seen not only in autumn, but also from the first to the fifth day, and from the 15th to the 20th day of each lunar month, with about 120 days a year when tides can be viewed.
Giant tidal bore on Qiantang River wows viewers
Giant tidal bore on Qiantang River wows viewers
