Simplified Chinese 钱塘江 Postal Chientang River Wade–Giles Ch'ien-t'ang Chiang Length 494 km Province Zhejiang Cities Hangzhou | Traditional Chinese 錢塘江 Hanyu Pinyin Romanization Chi-dhon kaon Source Anhui Bridges Chien Tang River Bridge | |
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Mouths Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea Similar West Lake, Chien Tang River Bridge, Liuhe Pagoda, Qiandao Lake, Lingyin Temple | ||
Largest qiantang river tidal bores in ten years
The Qiantang River (Chinese: 钱塘江; pinyin: qiántáng jiāng) or Qian River (sometimes spelt as Tsientang river) is an East Chinese river that originates in the border region of Anhui and Jiangxi provinces. Its upper stretch is called the Xin'an River, and the middle stretch the Fuchun River (富春). An important commercial artery, it runs for 459 kilometers (285 mi) through Zhejiang, passing through the provincial capital Hangzhou before flowing into the East China Sea via Hangzhou Bay. The river was the southern terminus of the ancient Grand Canal that links five major rivers in China from north to south, and enables water-borne traffic to travel inland from Hangzhou as far north as Beijing.
Contents
- Largest qiantang river tidal bores in ten years
- Map of Qiantang River China
- Watch spectacular tidal bore surges up qiantang river in china
- Tidal bore
- Recent events
- Tributaries
- References
Map of Qiantang River, China
The Qiantang was historically known as the Zhe River or Zhejiang, which gives the name to the province.
Watch spectacular tidal bore surges up qiantang river in china
Tidal bore
The river and the Hangzhou Bay are known for the world's largest tidal bore. The oldest known tide table (AD 1056) is for the Qiantang River and may have aided ancient tourists wishing to see the famous tidal bore. The tide rushing into the river mouth from the bay causes a bore which can reach up to 9 metres (30 ft) in height, and travel at up to 40 km per hour (25 miles an hour). Known locally as the Silver (or Black) Dragon, the wave sweeps past Hangzhou, menacing shipping in the harbor.
Recent events
In August 2013, the tidal bore turned out stronger than expected due to Typhoon Trami, reaching more than twice its usual height as it broke on the flood barrier, sweeping it and injuring numerous spectators.
There have been attempts to surf the tidal bore. The 1984 record was 11 seconds by Stuart Matthews. Then, in October 2007, a group of international surfers brought by Antony Colas, did several attempts, one wave being ridden continuously by French Patrick Audoy and Brazilian Eduardo Bagé for 1h10min, for 17 km. In September 2008 a group of American surfers convinced the Chinese government to allow them to surf a section of the river.
In November 2013, Red Bull held the first surf competition on the river, called the Qiantang Shoot Out. The bore was considered the most unusual wave in the world for a surfing contest.