Source of the Qiantang River Tide

Source of the Qiantang River Tide

The Source of the Qiantang River Tide is world-renowned for its majestic and spectacular sight. It is located at Shizitou in Huangshawu, Nanbeihu Scenic Area, the source of the Qiantang River Tide.

Shizitou is a large rock jutting out into the sea, named for its resemblance to a male lion. According to measurements by the hydrological station, the average tidal range in the Shizitou area is 5.6 meters, with the maximum tidal range reaching 8.93 meters. During the second or third day after the first or fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, the tide can be observed.

A pavilion called "Yuan Pavilion" (Source Pavilion) has been built at the Source of the Qiantang River Tide, with an inscription by Bu Xinxing. Mr. Bu, a native of Haiyan, was a pioneer of China’s reform and opening up. Thanks to his fame, the character "源" (source) carries deeper meanings: the source of the Qiantang River tide, the source of reform — the Haiyan Shirt Factory, a pioneer of China’s reform, the source of nuclear power — the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, and the source of China-Korea friendship — the Jinju Shelter. These have been proudly referred to as the “Four Sources” by the people of Haiyan.

The Scene of the Tide: When standing on the rock, one can see a black line slowly moving forward from several miles away. In the blink of an eye, the black line begins to splash with water and emits a rumbling sound like a train. At this moment, the leading edge of the tide quickly rises, typically one or two feet high, churning up mud and sand across the beach. Sometimes straight, sometimes winding, it resembles an army marching westward, unstoppable.

After the tide front passes, it is followed by a silent rush of water. But upon closer look, it flows extremely swiftly. The water near the shore surges onto the beach, and within moments, the beach turns into a rapid current.

Reminder: The first and fifteenth days of the lunar month are "Ziwu Tides" (high tides around noon and midnight), with high tide occurring at 12:00 noon. Don’t miss the timing when going to watch the tide.