Three Gorges Project

The Three Gorges Project, also known as the Yangtze River Three Gorges Hydropower Project, is the largest hydroelectric project on record. It harnesses hydropower on the Yangtze River and regulates floods control, electricity generating, shipment, and water supply in China. Started in 1992, it has completed in 2009. 

More information about the Three Gorges Project, see Ancient Water Control Project & Influence & Significance.

From Sandouping, Yichang City, mainstream Yangtze , it fans out in three parts: the Three Gorges Dam and a sluice gate; a hydroelectric power station with 32 hydroelectric generating sets; and the navigation structures including a permanent navigation lock and a ship lift. The dam crest of Three Gorges Dam measures 3,035 meters (3,319 yards) long by 185 meters (607 feet) high. The power station is piggybacked behind the dam, and of the 32 hydroelectric generating sets, 14 are on the left bank, 12 are on the right bank, and the remainder are underground. The installed capacity is 22.5 million kilowatts and the annual energy output is 100 billion kilowatts-hour. The navigation structures, including the five-level navigation lock and the vertical ship lift, are located on the left bank.

The idea of Three Gorges Project was envisioned by Dr. Sun Yat-sen in 1919, when he proposed a Yangtze River barrage near Yichang City to dam the water for upstream navigation and hydropower generation. However, it was not until 1992, when the National People's Congress of China stamped its approval on Three Gorges Project.

The construction came in three phases: the first from 1992 to 1997, during which a cofferdam, a headrace, and a temporary ship lock were built and the river was successfully dammed by the headrace; the second phase from 1998 to 2003, during which the dam, a lasting ship lock, and 4 generating sets on the left bank were operational; in the third phase (2003 - 2009), the dam and generating sets on right bank were in place and the temporary ship lock removed. At the end of the project, the Three Gorges become a 10,000 sq km (3,861 sq mi) gorge reservoir which is 600 km (372 miles) long and 2,000 meters (2,187 yards) wide at the broadest section. 

 Three Gorges Dam Tour
A Three Gorges Dam tour is a part  abd parcel of a Yangtze River Cruise Tour. You will disembark at the dam and stand on the Tanziling Scenic Area to enjoy the full view of the Three Gorges Project, including the great dam and the giant five-level ship lock. You can appreciate the height of the dam at 185 Sight-seeing Point.

Tanziling Ridge Scenic Area is located at the survey point of Three Gorges Dam, with an elevation of 262.48 meters (861 feet). It is named after an up-side-down crock-shape sight-seeing platform. Standing there, you will get a panoramic view of Three Gorges Project complete with the gigantic dam, as well as the "fourth gorge of Yangtze River" - the five-level ship lock.

185 Sight-seeing Point is so named because it is 185 meters (607 feet) high, at the level with dam crest. Visitors will be in awe of the height of the dam, and watch ships in use of the ship lift.

 Recommended Yangtze Cruises including visit to the Three Gorges Dam: 
China Tour with Yangtze Cruise: 11-Day Small Group of Beijing, Xian, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Yichang, Shanghai 
China Cities with Yangtze: 15 Days of Beijing, Xian, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Yichang, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo, Guilin, Hong Kong
Yangtze Package Tour: 4-Day of Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Yichang

 Three Gorges Dam Travel Tips: 
 Transportation:
1. If you take a train to Yichang City, you can take a taxi or a bus No. 4, 9, 100 or 101 from Yichang Railway Station to Gezhouba Hotel stop, and then take a tourist special bus (departs at 08:30 and 14:00 daily) to the Three Gorges Dam.
2. Visitors can also take a bus No. 3 or 4 to Ye Ming Zhu Zhuan Pan stop, and take a Three Gorges Dam special bus No. 8 to the scenic area. 

 Tickets:
A. Entrance Fee for Three Gorges Dam: CNY 105 per person (including the sight-seeing cart)
B. Three Gorges Art Troupe:
Ticket: CNY 150 per person
Show Time: 20:00 - 21:00 (daily)
Venue: Three Gorges Cultural Center

 Map