On the morning of July 22nd, 2009, you will be witnessing a spectacular as it unfolds across the skies of Shanghai – your very own total solar eclipse - one that is unmatched in 300 years. The solar eclipse this time is unprecedented in that it lasts the longest, can be witnessed in its totality in more regions across China than ever before, and is the most spectacular astronomical phenomenon to come to China in the 21st century. The last time that Shanghai hosted a solar eclipse of this magnitude was in 1575; if you should miss it this time around, you'll have to wait another 300 years until 2309!

Path of Total Solar Eclipse of July 22, 2009 through China
Tips for viewing the total solar eclipse

As the total solar eclipse will be taking place during office hours, most of you probably don't have the luxury of hiking up to the astronomical observatory nearest you; fortunately, Shanghai's high-rise office buildings, parks and any open areas of green will suit just fine for watching your share of this one of a kind spectacular that only comes every three centuries.

Best Spots for Avid Stargazers

Sheshan Astronomical Observatory 佘山天文台
Sheshan Astronomical Observatory is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and is situated at the top of the Sheshan National Forest Park, to the west. It is the only observatory to fall in geometrical alignment with the occurrence of the total solar eclipse. There is an 'Astrological Square' at the top of the mountain; its pillars are engraved with the 44 astrological signs and symbols to amuse and educate visitors. Lay astronomers and avid stargazers often out there, be sure to mark down Sheshan Astronomical Observatory as the spot to go watch your solar eclipse; it'll be a guaranteed treat.

You’ll need to buy tickets at the booth at the base of the mountain; the price is 30 RMB/person.

Oriental Pearl Broadcasting Tower东方明珠广播电视塔
Avid stargazers usually know to pick out wide open areas and/or high-rise buildings as their ideal vantage points for observing this kind of total phenomenon. And for exactly this reason, the Oriental Pearl Tower should pose as an attractive watch spot for this event. The tallest in Asia and the third tallest building in the world, the tower rises to a height of 468 meters. With a sparkling sphere of an observation hall measuring 45 meters in diameter and 263 meters off the ground, it's your ideal spot for a bird’s eye view of the entire span of Shanghai. When it's clear skies and the wind is breezy, you can even catch glimpses of Sheshan mountain and Chongming Island in the horizons – a panorama to lose yourself in. Tickets will sure sellout though, go grab one quick!

Tickets to the Sightseeing Floor (Situated at 263 meters; includes exhibition halls and a panoramic view at 259 meters) are100 RMB/person; For 150 RMB/person you gain entrance to all three main spheres.

Best Spots for the Office-Bound

Jing'an Park 静安公园
Situated in between Nanjing and Yan'an Road, it's just a shot of an arrow away from the Jing'an Temple station on the 2nd metro line. Given that the Jing'an District is hustling in landscaping developments all the time, such a conservation of natural space is rare. Even though it is surrounded by high-rises all around, there's still enough natural water and manicured greens and rocks to attract those looking for a momentary respite from the steel jungle outside its perimeters.

People's Square Greenery 人民广场休闲绿地
People's Square metro station hosts its own greenery – equivalent to that of Renmin Park – a space of greenery open to the public up on top of its busy interchange concourse. It can be reached by a flight of stone stairs, you're sure to find it breathtaking, with a view of the urban hills and mounds of buildings that surrounds - all the while taking in the spectacular phenomenon in the skies. Jiujiang Road and Xizang Middle Road bothf similar stone stairs up and a tunnel that connects to the greenery on top of the People's Square metro station. Mark this spot down, as it is easily accessible by public transit and is indeed an ideal spot to watch your solar eclipse even while commuting.

Read the original in Chinese here

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