Those who bought a tour package to watch Wednesday's total solar eclipse can get a refund if the event is ruined by rain, Shanghai Tourist Transport Center said.

The center began selling eclipse packages on June 2 at a price of 150 yuan each. About 1,500 tickets were sold for the eclipse viewing at Yangshan Deep Water Port, which was said to be one of the best vantage points in the city.

The city's weather bureau said there is a 70 to 80 percent chance of rain the day after tomorrow when the total eclipse is to occur.

The solar eclipse was estimated to take place between about 8:23am and 11:01am Beijing time in July 22. The total solar eclipse was expected to take place between 9:36am and 9:41am.

(Shanghai Daily July 20, 2009)