Haining

Haining is a county-level city in Zhejiang Province, China, and under the jurisdiction of Jiaxing. It is in the south side of Yangtze River Delta, and in the north of Zhejiang. It is 125 kilometers west of Shanghai, and 62 kilometers east of Hangzhou, the capital of the province. To its south lies the Qiantang River. Haining is known for its leather industry and spectacular tide in the Qiantang River. In May 1949 Haining was occupied by the Communist Army, and Haining County was formed, which belonged to Jiaxing Region. In June 1949 the county government was relocated to Xiashi Town. In October 1958 Haiyan County was merged into Haining. In December 1961 Haiyan County was re-established. In November 1986 Haining County was elevated to Haining City, under jurisdiction of Jiaxing. In history, Yanguan Town had long served as the seat of county government. During Sino-Japanese War, the county seat was moved to Yuanhua Town and even outside the county. After the war, the county government was formed in Xiashi Town.

Haining attracts the attention of travelers, owing to the spectacular annual tides that rush up the Qiantang River. Each year, thousands of tourists from around the world flock to Haining to watch the famous tide bore. Tidal bores occur about 120 days a year in Haining. The International Qiantang River Tidal Bore Watching Festival is held each year in response to the increasing popularity of this recurring event. The festival takes place on the 18th day of the eighth lunar month.