三峡大坝
Synopsis
Overview
The Three Gorges Dam, located in Sandouping Town, Yichang City, Hubei Province, China, spans the main stream of the Yangtze River. It is the world's largest hydroelectric power station and a magnificent water conservancy project of global significance. It is not only a symbol of modern China's engineering and technological prowess but also serves critical functions in flood control, power generation, navigation, and water resource utilization...
Overview
The Three Gorges Dam, located in Sandouping Town, Yichang City, Hubei Province, China, spans the main stream of the Yangtze River. It is the world's largest hydroelectric power station and a magnificent water conservancy project of global significance. It is not only a symbol of modern China's engineering and technological prowess but also carries comprehensive benefits such as flood control, power generation, navigation, and water resource utilization, exerting a profound impact on the economic development of the Yangtze River basin and the entire nation. For visitors, the Three Gorges Dam is more than just an engineering marvel; it is a national tourist attraction (a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction) integrating science education, patriotic education, and natural and cultural landscapes. Standing on viewing platforms like Tanzi Ridge and overlooking this 2,309-meter-long, 185-meter-high concrete gravity dam, one can experience the unforgettable grandeur of "a calm lake emerging from the high gorges."
History
The concept of the Yangtze River Three Gorges Project has a long history. As early as 1919, Dr. Sun Yat-sen proposed ideas for improving the navigation of the Three Gorges in his "The International Development of China." After the founding of the People's Republic of China, following decades of meticulous surveying, planning, feasibility studies, and repeated deliberations, the Resolution on the Construction of the Yangtze River Three Gorges Project was passed at the Fifth Session of the Seventh National People's Congress on April 3, 1992. Construction officially commenced on December 14, 1994. After 17 years of construction, the project was fully completed in 2009. The construction process of the Three Gorges Project embodies the dedication of several generations of Chinese people, overcoming numerous world-class technical challenges. The relocation of over a million residents was also a monumental feat. The overall project passed its final acceptance inspection in September 2015. Today, it continues to deliver immense comprehensive benefits and serves as a significant window showcasing China's achievements to the world.
Main Attractions
The Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area is vast, with main viewing points and facilities including:
1. Tanzi Ridge: The highest point in the tourist area, named for its hill shape resembling an overturned pickle jar. It is the best location for a panoramic view of the Three Gorges Dam, offering a bird's-eye view of the dam, the twin five-stage ship locks, and the magnificent scenery of the Yangtze River upstream and downstream. The ridge features a model exhibition hall and relief sculpture groups.
2. 185 Viewing Platform: Named for its elevation being level with the dam crest (185 meters). Here, visitors can appreciate the dam's grandeur at eye level and view the vast expanse of the reservoir (Three Gorges Reservoir) in front of the dam.
3. River Closure Memorial Park: Located downstream of the dam, it vividly recreates the spectacular scene and construction process of the river closure during the Three Gorges Project through theme sculptures, displays of actual construction machinery, and restored relics, offering great educational value.
4. Three Gorges Project Exhibition Center: Through scale models, pictures, videos, and physical objects, the center systematically displays the project's planning, construction, operation, benefits, and related scientific knowledge, serving as a comprehensive science classroom for in-depth understanding.
5. Twin Five-Stage Ship Locks: One of the world's largest and most technologically complex ship locks. Visitors can observe how ships "climb stairs," passing through the locks stage by stage to traverse the hundred-meter-high dam—a spectacular process.
Practical Information
The following information is general as of 2023. It is recommended to verify through official channels before your trip.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tickets | For Chinese visitors: Park entry is free (but requires advance real-name reservation). The sightseeing bus ticket within the park is self-paid, approximately 35 RMB. For international visitors: Must join a tour organized by a qualified travel agency and pay the corresponding comprehensive service fee. |
| Opening Hours | Peak Season (Mar-Oct): 8:00-17:30 Off-Season (Nov-Feb): 8:30-17:00 (Last entry time may be earlier; please refer to the day's announcement.) |
| Suggested Visit Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Transportation | By Air: Arrive at Yichang Sanxia Airport, take an airport shuttle bus or taxi to downtown Yichang, then transfer to a special bus to the dam area. By Train: Arrive at Yichang East Railway Station, take the "Three Gorges Dam Tourist Express" or a public bus from the station square to the "Yemingzhu" Bus Station, then transfer to the dam area's special sightseeing bus (a pass is required). By Car: Navigate to the "Three Gorges Dam Tourist Transfer Center." Vehicles require a pass (obtained free at the checkpoint with driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents), then transfer to the park's sightseeing bus to enter the core area. |
| Reservation & ID | Must bring the original valid second-generation ID card. Chinese visitors need to make a real-name reservation in advance via the official "Three Gorges Dam Tourism" website or WeChat official account. International visitors must arrange procedures through a travel agency. |
| Notes | 1. The dam core area is a military management zone; drone flights are prohibited. 2. Follow park regulations, visit only in designated areas, and do not cross警戒线 (warning lines). 3. Sun protection and heatstroke prevention in summer; wind protection and warmth in winter. 4. Limited dining options within the park; consider bringing some snacks and water. |
References
- China Three Gorges Corporation Official Website - Three Gorges Project Overview: https://www.ctg.com.cn/sxjt/sxgk/index.html
- Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area Official Reservation Platform (Official Website): https://www.sxdaba.com/
- Ministry of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China - Three Gorges Project Special Topic: http://www.mwr.gov.cn/ztpd/2018zthd/sxgczt/ (Note: This is a special topic page; content may be updated over time, but it provides authoritative historical and project information.)
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