Solar Eclipse Tours 2009 overview

We can offer a number of different options for viewing the longest total solar eclipse this century. On our very special China & Eclipse Experience and Eclipse & Shanghai Spectacular tours we will view the event from the banks of the Qiangtang River.

There are also number of our classic itineraries that are timed to coincide with the eclipse. These will allow observation from an unobstructed site near to the cities of Shanghai or Hangzhou, both of which will experience totality for at least 5 minutes (weather permitting).

There is also the option for a four day Eclipse Easy Stay in Shanghai, which can be taken as a short break on its own or combined with private touring elsewhere in China.

What will happen during the Total Solar Eclipse

Experience uninterrupted views and 5 minutes and 40 seconds of totality (weather permitting). Totality will occur at 0938 and at an altitude of 57 degrees. At about 1230 witness the world famous Qiantang River Tidal Bore. The gravitational pull of the moon and sun will create a wave several metres high as the high tide penetrates the relatively narrow river mouth.

For those on our very special China & Eclipse Experience and Eclipse & Shanghai Spectacular tours, top astronomy author Stuart Clark will be with us in Hangzhou to share his knowledge and experience as the excitement builds before the big event. To add to the anticipation he will make a presentation and will also accompany our groups to the Qiantang River viewing site on Eclipse Day.

Stuart has written many astronomical books, is a science advisor to the BBC and a contributor to New Scientist. His book "The Sun Kings" was shortlisted by the Royal Society for their best popular science book prize