Viewing during partial and annular eclipses requires properly designed and certified solar filters.

Sunglasses are not safe. Do not use DIY filters using common objects like a floppy disk removed from its case, black color slide film and other devices.

It is safe to observe the total phase of a solar eclipse directly with the unaided eye, binoculars, telescope or camera only when the sun's photosphere is completely covered by the moon.

Photographing an eclipse is possible using a fairly high magnification telephoto lens.

Do not look at the sun through a camera viewfinder - until the eclipse is total.

Anji, Zhejiang Province

The best spot in the world to view the eclipse is Tianhuangping Town in Anji. The upper reservoir of the power station is ideal.

Duration: 5'46

Time: 08:20:57-10:58:06

Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province

China's easternmost city with the highest solar elevation angle. Nothing at sea will obstruct the view.

Duration: 5'05

Time: 08:24:03-11:04:11

Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province

Duration: 5'51

Time: 08:22:21-11:00:24

Tongling, Anhui Province

One of the four CCTV live broadcasting spots in China.

Duration: 5'39

Time: 08:18:49-10:53:45

Tongcheng, Anhui Province

Xizihu Town in Tongcheng lies on the central line of the eclipse.

Duration: 5'32

Time: 08:17:52-10:51:48

Yi County, Yellow Mountain, Anhui Province

Duration: 3'42

Time: 08:18:37-10:54:32

(Shanghai Daily July 6, 2009)