Roaring tides surged through the Qiantang River in east China's Zhejiang Province on Thursday, growing even more tumultuous under the influence of Typhoon Pulasan and creating a dramatic natural spectacle.
The Qiantang River tidal bore as seen in Haining City is one of the largest tidal bores globally, reaching its peak spectacle on the 18th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Thursday marks the 17th day of the eighth month this year.
A tidal bore is a phenomenon where the leading edge of an incoming tide creates a wave that surges up a river against the flow. The Qiantang River tidal bore, famous for its height and speed, is a traditional tourist attraction in Zhejiang.
At Daquekou, renowned as one of the best spots for observing the Qiantang tidal bores, the waves surged as high as 1.7 meters on Thursday due to the impact of Typhoon Pulasan, which is expected to make landfall on the Zhejiang coast between Thursday afternoon and evening.
The river's tidal bores are also known for their variable patterns, with the crossing bore, the one-line bore, the back-flow bore, and the fish scale bore being the four common types.
At another viewing point in Yanguan Township, the one-line bore was seen on Thursday as the roaring tide surged forward at a speed of more than 10 meters per second.
Typhoon intensifies roaring tides of Qiantang River, creating dramatic natural spectacle
The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which opened Tuesday in Zhuhai City of south China's Guangdong Province, showcases several advanced liquid-propellant rocket engines that promise to shape the future of space exploration.
Among the highlights is an 80-ton reusable liquid oxygen-methane engine, which stands out for its economic viability and potential for extensive application in reusable rocket designs. The efficiency of methane positions this engine as a pivotal component for future space missions.
"This engine's most significant feature is its complete reusability, with a capability of at least 50 uses. It has successfully gone through various development tests and is now ready for flight," said Song Dekun from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
The 80-ton liquid oxygen-methane engine is tailored for the burgeoning commercial space market, offering substantial thrust while being engineered for reusability. Next to it, another engine designed for commercial space endeavors is on display - a high-altitude engine utilizing liquid oxygen and kerosene as fuel.
"It has a thrust of 72 tons and will be used in the rocket's second stage. The first stage carries the rocket to altitudes of 50 to 60 kilometers, and the second stage operates from there up to 200 kilometers and even into low Earth orbit, where it must ignite in near-vacuum conditions, requiring precise ignition capabilities," said Liu Shang from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Liu added that this engine is delivery-ready and is projected to undertake its inaugural flight in 2025, further solidifying China's position in the global aerospace landscape.
Popularly known as the Zhuhai Airshow, the premier aviation event has attracted 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions this year, with Russia, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Italy participating in the air show in groups. The airshow is scheduled to last through Sunday.
Cutting-edge liquid-propellant rocket engines at Zhuhai Airshow to benefit future space travel
