A tidal wave hitting against the river bank at the mouth of the Qiantang river in Haining, in eastern China's Zhejiang province, at the start of the annual International Qiantang River Tidal Bore Watching Festival.

It has been a tradition for people living near the mouth of the Qiantang River to celebrate the Mid-autumn Festival by watching the tidal waves crash to the shore.

The International Qiantang River Tidal Bore Watching Festival, as it is now called, has also become a popular attraction for tourists.

The annual International Qiantang River Tidal Bore Watching Festival is held in Yanguan Town on 18th day of the eighth lunar month.

Festivalgoers in Haining practice the old custom of eating moon cakes, a staple pastry of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Qiantang waves have been recorded as high as 30 feet. Many drowings have occurred as some spectators decide to watch the phenomenon from a close distance.

A tidal wave coming in at the mouth of the Qiantang river in Haining, in eastern China's Zhejiang province, at the start of the annual International Qiantang River Tidal Bore Watching Festival.