The Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area is located in Sandouping Town, Yiling District, Yichang City, Hubei Province. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction and the world's largest hydroelectric project, it covers a total area of 15.28 square kilometers, comprising main attractions like Tanziling, 185 Platform, and River Closure Memorial Park. The dam stretches 2,309 meters long with a height of 185 meters, normal water level of 175 meters, total storage capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters, and annual power generation exceeding 100 billion kWh.
History and Culture
The Three Gorges Project represents a century-old dream of the Chinese nation. In 1919, Dr. Sun Yat-sen first proposed harnessing the Three Gorges' hydropower potential in his "The International Development of China". Construction officially began on December 14, 1994, and was completed on May 20, 2006. The dam embodies the wisdom and hard work of generations of Chinese people, standing as a significant symbol of China's modernization.
The River Closure Memorial Park displays the construction process and historic moments, including actual exhibits like the massive tetrahedrons used for river closure and construction machinery, serving as an important window to understand the project's history.
Main Attractions
Tanziling
The highest point in the dam area at 262.48 meters above sea level, named for its jar-like shape. It offers the best panoramic view of the dam, five-stage ship lock, and Yangtze River. The viewing platform features a Three Gorges Project model exhibition hall.
185 Platform
Located on the left bank at the same elevation as the dam (185 meters), it provides close-up views of the upstream reservoir. The 1,000-square-meter platform has viewing corridors and rest areas.
River Closure Memorial Park
Built to commemorate the 1997 river closure, covering 60,000 square meters. It displays 25-ton concrete tetrahedrons, large construction machinery, and photos recreating the spectacular closure scene.
Five-Stage Ship Lock
The world's largest inland ship lock stretches 6.4 kilometers, accommodating 10,000-ton fleets. Using five consecutive steps, ships take about 3-4 hours to pass, offering visitors the unique sight of vessels "climbing stairs".
Ship Lift
The world's largest and most technically challenging vertical ship lift with maximum lifting height of 113 meters. Its chamber can carry 3,000-ton ships, taking about 40 minutes to pass the dam, earning the nickname "ship elevator".
Three Gorges Project Museum
A specialized museum comprehensively showcasing the project's construction and technological achievements. The 15,000-square-meter facility displays over 1,000 artifacts and 2,000 photos, serving as an important educational base.
Cuisine
Three Gorges Fat Fish
A Yangtze River specialty with tender, delicious meat. Traditional preparations include steamed and braised styles, representing local Yichang cuisine.
Yichang Cold Shrimp
A local dessert made from rice paste shaped like shrimp, served with brown sugar syrup and osmanthus flowers. Refreshing and ideal for summer.
Radish Dumplings
A Yichang snack with shredded radish filling. The crispy exterior and savory filling make it a popular local breakfast.
Recommended Nearby Cuisine
Other Three Gorges specialties worth trying include Yichang Three Immortals Chicken, Zigui Navel Oranges, and Changyang Bacon, available at restaurants near the scenic area or in downtown Yichang.
Ticket Information
Admission is 105 yuan per person (including scenic shuttle bus). Seniors over 60 and students with valid IDs enjoy half-price discounts, while children under 1.2 meters enter free. Real-name ticketing requires ID cards.
Opening Hours
Open year-round from 8:00-17:30 during peak season (April 1-October 31) and 8:30-17:00 during off-season (November 1-March 31). Ticket sales stop one hour before closing at each attraction.
Recommended Itinerary
Suggested route: Visitor Center → Tanziling (panoramic view) → 185 Platform (dam-level view) → River Closure Memorial Park → Three Gorges Project Museum. The full tour takes about 3-4 hours. With more time, consider experiencing the ship lock or lift.
Transportation
- By car: From downtown Yichang, drive about 40 km on Three Gorges Expressway
- By bus: Take Bus 216 from Yichang directly to the visitor center
- By boat: Cruise from Yichang Port to the dam area, enjoying Xiling Gorge scenery en route
Must-See Attractions
- Tanziling: Best spot for panoramic dam views
- 185 Platform: Close-up reservoir views at dam height
- River Closure Memorial Park: Learn about construction history
- Five-Stage Ship Lock: Unique "ship staircase" spectacle
Travel Tips
- Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather
- Consider booking a guide for in-depth engineering insights
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the large area
- Use sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter
- Allow 3-4 hours; a full day permits deeper exploration
Precautions
- Strict security checks prohibit dangerous items
- Drone flights are banned in dam areas
- Observe all restricted area regulations
- Secure personal belongings in crowded areas
- Protect the environment; no littering