Three Gorges Dam — Attraction in Yichang

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...

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...

The following case study on the Three Gorges Dam illustrates the pros and cons of concrete gravity dam construction and is an excellent complement to the material discussed in the technical paper.

China’s Three Gorges Dam (TGD) is the largest power generating plant in the world. The TGD is a hydroelectric concrete gravity dam that spans the Yangtze River, in Hubei province.5 It is located in the Xilingxia gorge which is one of the three gorges of this river.5 Costing a total of over 30 billion US dollars 6, the TGD project was put in place for several reasons including flood protection, energy production, increased navigability throughout the Yangtze River and access to fresh water for the citizens. 3 The construction of this dam is having a major impact on China’s national economy, and its performance is critical to the large population living in Three Gorges region. 3 Upon its completion, the dam will measure 2.6 kilometres in length, 186 meters in height and it will form a 645 kilometre long reservoir in the midsection of the Yangtze. 3 The dam is designed to generate an output of 17680MW which includes 26 generators at 680 MW per unit. 3 The following figure shows the exact location of Three Gorges dam.

Figure 3: Map of the Three Gorges Dam

In terms of construction, the dam will be composed of 32 primary generators which will allow the dam to reach its maximum power output capacity. 26 generators are found on the dam itself while the remaining are built below a neighbouring mountain.6. Furthermore, a ship lift capable of vertically transporting ships (weighing as much as 3000 tons) from one water level to another will be built on the north side of the Three Gorges Dam.6. Other than the ship lift, a series of locks have been installed designed for boats weighing up to 10 000 tons; approximately four hours are needed for transit of these vessels. 6. The ship lifts and locks constructed as part of the TGD are very beneficial aspects as they promote increased navigability throughout the Yangtze River. By transporting more freight on the river, a reduction in emissions caused by the trucking industry is predicted,6 which is beneficial to the environment. The following table shows a summary of several...