From AFP:
The longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, visible next Wednesday, has sparked tourist fever in eastern China, which according to experts is the best place to view the event.
The total eclipse, expected to last about six minutes, will pass from southwest China across the cities of Chengdu and Chongqing to Shanghai and Hangzhou in eastern Zhejiang province, according to NASA’s eclipse website.
Tourist agencies, park managers and hotels have been overwhelmed by worldwide enthusiasm for the spectacle, which comes as the 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.
