Three Gorges Dam

A hydroelectric gravity dam that spans the Yangtze River. Good to see this enormous dam.

The Three Gorges Dam, with an installed capacity of 22,500 megawatts (MW), stands as the world's largest power station. It generates an average of 95±20 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, subject to precipitation levels in the river basin. Construction commenced on December 14, 1994, and the facility became operational in 2003. The dam's body was completed in 2006, and the power plant was fully operational by 2012, when the last of the main water turbines in the underground plant began production. Each of the main water turbines has a capacity of 700 MW. Combining the capacity of the dam's 32 main turbines with the two smaller generators (50 MW each) that provide power to the plant itself, the total electric generating capacity of the Three Gorges Dam is 22,500 MW.

Review on Three Gorges Dam Tour: Embarking on a Boat to the Majestic Marvel Introduction: Nestled on the mighty Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric dam, stands as a mesmerizing blend of architectural grandeur and awe-inspiring natural beauty, captivating visitors worldwide. Recently, I had the privilege of embarking on a journey to explore this remarkable dam, and the experiences I gathered left an indelible mark on my soul. Highlights: Colossal Scale: Upon setting foot on the Three Gorges Dam, I was met with sheer astonishment at its gargantuan dimensions. The dam, resembling an unyielding fortress, valiantly tames the raging currents of the Yangtze River. Breathtaking Panorama: Gazing down from the dam's crest, I was captivated by the boundless expanse of the reservoir, its cerulean waters mirroring the verdant embrace of the surrounding mountains. The panorama of untamed wilderness and majestic peaks instilled in me a profound sense of awe and reverence for nature's power. Boat Cruise Expedition: The pinnacle of my expedition was undoubtedly the boat cruise across the tranquil reservoir. Gently gliding across the serene waters, I was enveloped by the dam's grandeur and the picturesque landscapes that adorned its periphery. The refreshing breeze, the gentle lapping of waves, and the tranquil ambiance exuded an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility. Delving into History and Engineering: My exploration of the Three Gorges Dam extended beyond mere visual appreciation. I delved into the dam's rich history, tracing its origins and marveling at the cutting-edge engineering marvels that brought this colossal structure to life. These insights unveiled the dam's pivotal role in China's economic and social development. Conclusion: Exploring the Three Gorges Dam stands as an unforgettable odyssey. It is an invitation to witness architectural marvels, immerse oneself in breathtaking nature, and unravel the threads of history and culture that intertwine with this remarkable structure. Additional Tips: Anticipate Crowds: Due to its immense popularity, it is advisable to book your tour and boat tickets in advance to secure your spot. Embrace the Weather: Be prepared for the region's warm temperatures by carrying hats, sunscreen, and ample water. Respect the Environment: Practice eco-friendly habits by properly disposing of waste and adhering to local regulations. Enriching Experiences: Beyond the experiences I've shared, the Three Gorges Dam unveils a myriad of other attractions: Museum Exploration: Embark on a historical journey at the museum, where artifacts and exhibits chronicle the dam's construction narrative. Dam Crest Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll along the dam's crest, soaking in the panoramic vistas of the reservoir and the Yangtze River. Souvenir Shopping: Commemorate your visit by purchasing unique souvenirs from the shops located near the dam's entrance. I hope these insights enrich your Three Gorges Dam adventure and guide you towards an unforgettable expedition.

To sail with the Big cruise "Sanxia Deluxe Cruise" on the Yangtze river is one of the joyful moments. However there is an expense which depends on the luxurious level we pay and we chose the second floor where we can see the view precisely. Yes the price costs about 258 yuans to spend when it's worth if we can share 5 or 6 persons, Then there are souvenirs like dolphin doll, many desserts and unlimited Chinese tea to serve along with this 2 hour trip too.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Three Gorges Dam, and I was absolutely amazed by it. It is an engineering marvel on a scale that is hard to comprehend. The dam is so massive that it can be seen from space, and it is the world's largest hydroelectric power station. 😯😯😯 I was struck by the sense of scale of the dam. It is truly an engineering marvel, and it is hard to believe that it was built by humans. I was also impressed by the beauty of the reservoir. The water is a beautiful turquoise color, and it is surrounded by mountains. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited the Three Gorges Dam. It is a place that I will never forget.

There is a nice viewing area free of charge. Interesting to see. Recommend if you are in the area. Lots of other places to see in this area as well.

The 3 Gorges Dam is truly a magnificient engineering feat. Visited the 3 Gorges Dam in Nov 2023 after 3 days cruise (via Century Glory cruise) along Yangtze River passing through Wu, Qutang & Xilingxia Gorge (enjoyed the lovely view of the landscape, visited various local sites & mingled with the friendly local villagers). We paid RMB290 per pax to experience the ship lift (operational since 2016) to reach the lower river (maximum elevation approx 113m) followed by a visit to view the Dam structure from the Sandouping shore. From the cruise ship, we transferred to another ship where many visitors scrambled to the front/bow of the ship for better viewing experience. We had a private room where we could enjoy the view from the balcony (away from the crowd, tea & snacks provided) with a TV screening the mechanical processes as the ship passes through the ship lift/locks etc. The local villagers shared with us, though the building of the Dam did replace many villages but the Government did offer them alternate housing & helped them to breakout from poverty circle & hardship in life with electricity supply & the improved navigation plus influx of tourism has helped them to gain new jobs & a wider market for their local produce (some lucky villagers were relocated to big cities with accomodation provided by Government & enjoys higher standard of living compared to those who still live in the villages). They are proud that their ancestors' sacrifice has contributed to the industrialisation success of the nation. Historically (before the construction of Dam) Yangtse River is known to cause disastrous floods to the Yangtze Plain(eg, 1931 Yangtze-Huai Rivers flood hits Wuhan, Nanjing & beyond & up to 4 mililion people perished. In 1954, Hubei province suffered immense floodings with Wuhan city of 8 million people covered with flood water for 3 mths. In 1998 floodings, 2.3 million people along Yangtze River, Nen River, Songhua River, Pearl River were affected). The environmental and terrestrial impact of the Dam is an ongoing debate by people who lives afar(even The World Bank refused to fund this project :->). But for the locals, the 3 Gorges Dam has helped to uplift the villagers from poverty, mitigated the disastrous floodings that plagued Central China for centuries and also provided much needed hydroelectric power to Tibet border, Central China, Shanghai up to Guangdong.

We had a 3 day river cruise along the Yangtze River in 2013. The boat passes through the dam which is a feat of engineering and a wonder to be seen. We passed through in the middle of the night but came on deck to see us passing through. On the river cruise you visit the lesser gorges by small boat.