A rare and striking spectacle, often locally referred to as a "three-pronged tidal surge" was captured in eastern China.

The spectacular video was filmed in Haining City in Zhejiang Province on July 16.

The filmer, who has spent four years documenting the rhythmic ebbs and flows of the Qiantang River from above, marvelled that this was his first encounter with such a dramatic display.

The "three-pronged tidal surge" is an unusual occurrence where the tide, upon meeting obstructions like sandbars at the riverbed, changes its course and splits into three distinct streams, each heading in a different direction.

The video was provided by Douyin user: (Chaoshidai) Qiantang.

7月16日，浙江海宁，钱塘江出现三叉潮。摄影师表示，自己航拍钱塘江潮水四年了，这壮观的“三叉潮”还是头回见。
三叉潮是一种特殊的潮水现象，指潮水出现了逆流而上的情况，并且遇到了江底的沙洲，被分成了三股不同方向而形成的。
视频由抖音用户（潮时代）钱塘提供。