The wave, given extra impetus by a typhoon, reached up to 20 metres high and destroyed part of a sea wall along the Qiantang River in China's eastern Zhejiang Province.
Spectacular footage recorded the tidal bore as it gained momentum with alarming speed and force.
In the video, the impact of one wave destroyed a protective wall and netting, displacing large slabs of concrete.
People could be heard screaming and many ran for cover, while others stood their ground to witness the event.
The injured were taken to hospital for observation.
The wave was the decade's highest recorded tidal bore, which occur when the edge of an incoming tide forms a wave that travels against the current.