Qiantang

The Qiantang River, or Qiantang Jiang (钱塘江), is a major river in eastern Zhejiang Province, China. It originates in the western Zhejiang hills and flows eastward across the province, passing through Huzhou and Hangzhou before emptying into Hangzhou Bay, part of the East China Sea. The lower reaches form Hangzhou Bay, a wide estuary that marks the boundary between Zhejiang’s north and south coasts. The Qiantang basin is one of Zhejiang’s principal drainage systems and supports urban, agricultural, and industrial activity in the region.

The river is renowned for the Qiantang tidal bore, a dramatic surge of seawater that travels upstream as extreme high tides lift the river’s mouth. The bore occurs during the autumn tide and is regarded as one of the world’s largest and most spectacular tidal bores. Bore height is variable, with historical accounts describing waves reaching several meters and occasional reports of extreme heights approaching nine meters.

Historically, the Qiantang has been an important waterway for transportation and irrigation, contributing to the growth of Hangzhou and neighboring communities. Today it remains a vital resource for water supply and flood management, while the tidal bore attracts spectators and tourists to viewing areas along the river. Environmental and sediment dynamics in the estuary and delta area continue to be significant factors in regional planning and conservation efforts.