Shanghai prepares for solar eclipse

It's the longest total solar eclipse this century and China's financial capital, Shanghai, is abuzz as the city gears up for the Wednesday event. It's promoting its credentials as one of the best places to view the eclipse in the country.

The total eclipse will plunge Shanghai into darkness for more than six minutes. Local traffic police say street lights will be turned on during the moments of darkness for safety reasons.

Restaurants across Shanghai's historic Bund area with a good view of the sunrise and skyline have already started the countdown to the eclipse by offering up special brunches and activities to warm up the crowd for the special moment.

Restaurant owner Michelle Carnaut said, "Well the brunch is already sold out, so we have more than 300 people coming on Wednesday at 8am. And no doubt, it would be very exciting, as everybody is watching the passage of the sun and the moon. And we have more than a hundred people on the waiting list."

Other restaurants and hotels in the area have also reported brisk sales for their special meals and booking of hotel rooms with an "eclipse" view. Hundreds of eclipse chasers and visitors from across the world have also gathered in Shanghai for the historic event.