The longest total solar eclipse, visible tomorrow, has sparked tourist fever in eastern China, which according to experts is the best place to view the event.
Tourist agencies, park managers and hotels have been overwhelmed by worldwide enthusiasm for the spectacle, which comes as he domestic tourism market is experiencing a slowdown due to the financial crisis and the swine flu.
"July is traditionally low season for overseas travellers, but we saw a surprising burst of numbers," said Zhi Chenyan, a deputy manager at the China Travel Service in Zhejiang.
"My counterparts in other cities have been disappointed about sales for months, but all of a sudden we are all having a boom with the eclipse."