Originally published 01 July 2009

Solar Eclipse 2009.

On the 22nd July 2009, the longest total solar eclipse of the century (around six and a half minutes) will begin over China at 10.34am local time, and will take more than half an hour to traverse the entire country.

The eclipse will cross India, and then cross China's western border and travel east, passing over some of the best known places in the country, such as Chengdu, Hangzhou and Shanghai. These places will be amongst the best spots to see this phenomenon, although as the band of the eclipse is up to 200km wide, countless other places along its route will also be within range.

Why not combine a trip to China with a once in a lifetime chance to see one of nature's most awe-inspiring sights?

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