The straight wave
Across the whole river.
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The world's largest tidal bore, called the «Silver Dragon» in China: a wall of water up to nine metres high that surges in from the sea against the current of the Qiantang River at up to forty kilometres an hour; since the Ming dynasty the town of Yanguan in Haining has been the most famous place to watch it. It begins as a small white dot on the horizon, stretches into a silver line, and rolls in with a roar like thunder until it races past the crowds on the bank; Yanguan is known for its straight wave running the full width of the river, while nearby the bore rebounds off the embankments and crashes over the promenade. China celebrates it in the middle of the eighth lunar month, when it is at its strongest and crowds line the banks. The bore comes almost every day and is strongest on lunar days one to five and fifteen to twenty of each month; its time shifts daily, so check it before going and arrive at least forty minutes early. The viewing park costs about CNY 30, more during the festival, per visitor guides.
Across the whole river.
Like thunder.
Of Yanguan.
Riverbank at Yanguan old town, Haining, about 45 km south-west of Jiaxing, Zhejiang
In the middle of the eighth lunar month, usually September or early October; the eighteenth day is the most famous for watching, with the biggest crowds and higher ticket prices.
Yes, if you stay behind the barriers and follow the stewards; the wave can top the embankments and sweep away anyone standing near the water, especially when it rebounds.