Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Dam spans 2,335 meters across the Yangtze River, utilizing 32 turbines to generate electrical power for central and eastern China regions.

Construction of the dam started in 1994 after decades of planning, reaching full operational capacity in 2003 with a total investment of 180 billion Chinese Yuan.

The project required the relocation of 1.13 million residents and submerged numerous archaeological sites, transforming the social landscape of the Yangtze River region.

The dam creates a reservoir of 39.3 billion cubic meters of water, controlling floods downstream while enabling large vessels to navigate 2,400 kilometers upstream from Shanghai.

The facility contains a five-tier lock system and a ship lift, allowing vessels up to 3,000 tons to traverse the 113-meter height difference between water levels.

Location: Sandouping Town

Inception: 2003

Official opening: 2003

Elevation above the sea: 4 m

Height: 181 m

Length: 2,335 m

Width: 115 m

Part of: Cascade of hydropower stations on Yangtze River

GPS coordinates: 30.82386,111.00367

Latest update: May 27, 2025 19:48