The tidal bore of Qiantang River in Haining, Zhejiang Province, on Oct.2, 2023  (filmed by Xuelin Mu)

Hangzhou - A poetic line by the esteemed poet Su Shi declares, "On the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, the magnificent tidal bore is unparalleled on earth." This captivating visual is none other than the famed tidal bore of the Qiantang River.

This year, the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, falling on October 2nd, coincides with the ongoing Hangzhou Asian Games. This alignment is no mere coincidence, as the Qiantang tide has woven itself deeply into the fabric of these Games.

A prime illustration of this integration is the emblem of the Hangzhou Asian Games, aptly named “Surging Tides.” The six elements embedded within the emblem are the Qiantang River and its tidal bore. Elements inspired by the Qiantang Tides also made a dazzling appearance during the cultural performance of the Asian Games opening ceremony.

Centered around the theme “Tides Surging in Asia,” tides became pivotal throughout the performance. Virtualized Qiantang tides were vibrantly displayed for spectators during the opening ceremony, with the splendor of the virtual tides rivaling the genuine phenomenon.

But why did the Qiantang tides hold such significance in the 19th Asian Games? It's because they symbolize not just the culture and natural marvels of the host province, Zhejiang, but also encapsulate the exhilaration of sports, the spirit of Zhejiang, and the zeitgeist, forging connections among China, Asia, and the World.

The Qiantang Tide is among the world’s three tidal wonders, sharing the stage with the Amazon in South America and the Ganges in India. Every year, on the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, the tidal bore of the Qiantang River swells to its most significant, unleashing roaring and potent waves that cascade forward like thousands of stampeding horses; occasionally, the towering waves can reach heights of up to 9 meters.