Appreciate Qiantang River Tide at Haining from Hangzhou

Appreciate Qiantang River Tide at Haining

Haining is located in the north of Zhejiang Province, facing the Qiantang River in the south. The Yanguan Scenic Spot in Haining is a National AAAA Level Scenic Spot, also the best place to enjoy the tidal bore. The world-famous Qiantang Tidal Bore, or the Haining tide, created by the gravity from the moon and the rotation of the Earth, has been hailed as "marvelous spectacle". It is a tradition for people living around the Qiantang River to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival by eating moon-cakes and enjoying the sight of the tide. The history of watching it began in the Tang Dynasty (618 AD-907 AD) and became even more popular in the Song Dynasty (960 AD-1279 AD). The tradition of watching of Qiantang tidal wave was also popular in the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD-1644 AD) and Qing Dynasty (1644 AD-1911 AD). Haining is traditionally deemed as the best place to watch the marvel, since it offers the best view of the tide water rapidly rising and surging. The natural wonder has become a popular attraction for visitors both domestic and abroad and is favored by people of all generations.

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel or the Hangzhou Train Station with a sign" Hangzhou Private Tour" and driven around 50 minutes to reach Yanguan town of Haining.

Our pick up sign" Hangzhou Private Tour"

It is the best place for Qiantang River Tide watching that nature endowed. Annually, millions of people from both home and abroad flock there to watch the magnificent tide on the eighteenth day of the eighth lunar month. When the surging tide comes, the water can rise up to a height of 30 feet and the noise it generates sounds like thunder, or thousands of horses running. 

Have fun with tide

A packaged Chinese lunch is prepared and sent to your seat. In the afternoon, continues to watch Qiantang River Tide. Later,  you will be transferred back to Hangzhou. End of your unforgettable trip.

Best Time to Watch Qiantang Tidal Waves

To watch Qiantang River tidal waves, travelers can come to Qiantang River on the first, second , third, fourth, fifth, fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth day of each Chinese lunar month. In total, there are about 120 days with tidal bores while the largest is on the eighteenth day of the eight month on Chinese lunar calendar. Travelers should arrive half an hour before the report time to wait for the tide which is usually at 11:45 to 14:15. (For tidal time changes everyday, please ask your tour guide for the exact time or check the information reported by the tourist sites.)

The Sun, Moon and Earth on a line

Best Sites to Watch Qiantang River Tidal Bore

Haining City, about 50 kilometers from Hangzhou, is the most recommended city to watch Qiantang River autumn tide. There are three best locations in Haining – Haitang, Babao and Laoyanchang.

The first location is Haitang, located in the southeast of Yanguan Town. The tide features “Silver Lined Tide” (???) with pageantry spectacularity. When it begins to arise far away, it appears in a silver thread, but as it gradually approaches, it becomes a wall of jade, a snow-laden ridge, bordering the sky on its way. Its gigantic roar is like thunder as it convulses, shakes, dashes and shoots forth, swallowing up the sky and inundating the sun, for its force is supremely vigorous.

The second location is Babao, about 8 kilometers east of Yanguan Town. Travelers can see two kinds of tidal waves striking each other violently. For the different terrain, the south bank tide is quicker than the north bank tide. The south tide is striking the north tide at the right time, plumes of water flew into the air and splashed up to a height of several meters with huge sound.

The third location is Laoyancang, about 12 kilometers west of Yanguan Town. The tide features “Returning Tide” (???). Here, travelers can usually watch the tidal waves at 9 meters and 650-meter in length which seems like a huge arm making vigorous effort to turn the situation. When the tide rushing to “Dingzi Dam”, it suddenly becomes a lion springing, caused numerous of waves. At the same time, the tide turns its direction running to the bank with an extraordinary roar of anger, making views run away from the bank.

Besides the above three locations, there are many other locations to watch tidal bores, like Liuhe Pagoda, Jiuxi, Nanxing Bridge, City Urban Balcony, Sanbao, Qibao, Xiasha Bridge, Xiaoshan Tide Watching Town in Hangzhou.

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour or a shared group?
It is private. Only your party joins, with your own car, driver, and guide, so you set the pace and can stop when you like.

Where do you pick us up?
We meet you at your hotel and the train station in Hangzhou. Just tell us your preference in the inquiry and we arrange it.

How long does the tour last?
About 6 to 7 Hours, door to door.

What is included in the price?
The private car and driver, fuel and parking, and an English-speaking guide for the sightseeing listed above. Entry tickets and any extras are confirmed in your quote, so you always know what you are paying for.

Can we change the sights or pace on the day?
Yes. It is a private tour, so you can spend longer at one stop, skip another, or swap an attraction. Tell us in advance or ask your guide on the day.

Do I need to book a set date?
You choose the date. The guide and driver are arranged for your group, and mornings or later starts can be set to fit your schedule and energy.