As southeastern China gears up for this week's total solar eclipse, astronomical telescopes and observation glasses are selling fast in Changshu of Jiangsu province.

According to shopping mall staff, sales of telescopes have increased significantly since July, with telescopes costing around 1,000 yuan (about 146 U.S. dollars) the most popular.

Xie Hongbin, staff from the First Department Store, said, "We used to sell only five or six telescopes. But the sales tripled since the telescope sales promotion this month. Most of the buyers are young people."

Compared to an expensive professional telescope, a pair of observation glasses is a more economical choice for many citizens.

Ms Qin, a citizen, said, "I am buying observation glasses for my whole family. My husband is 70 and my mother is already 99. We can watch the solar eclipse together. It's really a great opportunity."

Salesmen at a shopping mall said that glasses costing 20 yuan (3 U.S. dollars) per pair are in high demand, and have sold out almost every day.

Some citizens have booked ahead to get them.

(CCTV July 22, 2009)