Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy a 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
Three Gorges Dam Location, Where Is Three Gorges Dam Located
The Three Gorges Dam is located in the central part of Hubei Province. It is situated in Yichang City, which serves as the dividing point between the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River.
Specifically, the dam is in Sandouping Town, Yiling District, Yichang City. It lies just 4 kilometers from Zigui Port, the disembarkation point for cruises traveling from Chongqing to Yichang. Positioned in the central section of Xiling Gorge, the dam is approximately 50 kilometers from Yichang’s city tourism center, about 70 kilometers from Yichang Sanxia Airport, and roughly 50 kilometers from Yichang East Railway Station.
5 Interesting Three Gorges Dam Facts
The Three Gorges Dam in China is a monumental engineering feat that has set numerous world records. Its massive scale, complex construction, and significant impact on flood control, power generation, and navigation make it one of the most impressive engineering projects ever undertaken.
- World's largest hydropower station. The Three Gorges Dam has a total installed capacity of 18.2 million kilowatts and an annual generating capacity of 84.68 billion kilowatt-hours, sufficient to meet 1.7 times the annual electricity demand of Shanghai.
- World’s longest dam construction period. The construction of the Three Gorges Dam project (hydropower station) began in 1994 and was fully completed in 2009, taking 15 years to build. It has now been operating smoothly for 15 years.
- World's largest water conservancy project in terms of construction scale. The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydropower project in the world. It has a total length of 2,309 meters, equivalent to the combined length of 230 standard football fields. The maximum height of the dam is 185 meters, comparable to a 60-story building.
- World's largest and most difficult ship lift. The Three Gorges Dam features two navigation systems: a five-tier ship lock and a vertical ship lift. The ship lift has a maximum lifting height of 113 meters.
- World's largest water conservancy project regarding resettlement, with the most arduous resettlement work. After the reservoir was created, approximately 1.3 million people were relocated, 130 towns and cities were submerged, and the inundated land area reached 1,084 square kilometers, equivalent to a medium-sized city. However, the relocated towns and residents were properly resettled and are living well.
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift & Five-Tier Ship Locks: Best Way to Get Close to the Dam
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
The Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift is nothing short of monumental. It holds the title of the highest and largest ship lift in the world, capable of lifting or lowering vessels over a staggering 113 meters—equivalent to the height of a 40-story building.
The lift’s chamber is equally impressive, measuring 120 meters in length, 18 meters in width, and 3.5 meters in depth. This enormous space accommodates ships weighing up to 3,000 tons, making it a key player in the transportation of goods and passengers along the Yangtze River.
For travelers, the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift is more than just an engineering marvel, it’s an unforgettable experience. Visitors can witness this extraordinary structure in action, marveling at the seamless movement of massive ships over a towering vertical height.
To make the most of your visit:
- Yangtze River cruise: Board the "Yangtze 1," or Yangzi Explorer the only two cruise ships that passes through the ship lift, for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
- Special Boat Experience: Opt for a dedicated boat tour to experience the ship lift firsthand, offering unparalleled views and memories to last a lifetime. You can sign up for this special experience on any Yangtze River cruise.
Five-Tier Ship Locks: A Modern Engineering Wonder
The Five-Tier Ship Locks at the Three Gorges Dam stand as a testament to human ingenuity and technological advancement. As one of the largest and most sophisticated lock systems in the world, it’s an essential feature of the Three Gorges Project and a fascinating site to explore.
The ship locks consist of five consecutive chambers, ingeniously built to overcome the 113-meter height difference created by the dam. Each chamber measures 280 meters in length, 35 meters in width, and 5 meters in depth, making it capable of accommodating massive vessels weighing up to 10,000 tons. Ships are meticulously raised or lowered in stages, step by step, as they transition between the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
The entire journey through the locks takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, a process that showcases the system’s complexity and precision. Visitors can marvel at the scale of this engineering achievement while observing the synchronized operation of the lock gates and water levels.
Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area: 3 Best View Points
Tanziling Park: The Ultimate Viewing Spot for the Three Gorges Dam
Tanziling Park, renowned as the best vantage point to admire the Three Gorges Dam, offers an unparalleled experience for visitors seeking breathtaking views and educational insights. Perched on a hill to the north of the dam, the park provides a panoramic perspective of the world’s largest hydropower project, the expansive reservoir, and the majestic Yangtze River.
The park features multiple observation decks equipped with telescopes, allowing tourists to get a closer look at the intricate workings of the dam, the five-tier ship locks, and the ship lift in action. The park includes exhibits and displays about the history and significance of the Three Gorges Project, offering educational opportunities for visitors to learn more about its construction, purpose, and impact. Morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting for photography and clearer views of the dam.
185 Observation Deck: Best Place to View Three Gorges Dam Reservoir
The 185 Observation Deck, situated at an elevation of 185 meters, stands level with the Three Gorges Dam, making it the perfect spot for a close-up view of this monumental structure. From this vantage point, visitors can admire key features of the dam, including the spillway dam, flood discharge gates, ship lift, and the five-tier dual-line ship locks.
Reaching the 185 Observation Deck is both easy and scenic. A leisurely 10-minute walk from Tanziling Park takes you to the platform, with well-maintained paths and high-powered telescopes along the way. These telescopes provide an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River and its breathtaking scenery on the opposite bank. Don't forget your camera to capture the awe-inspiring views!
Three Gorges Dam Jieliu Memorial Park: Best Place to Learn about the Dam
The Three Gorges Dam Jieliu Memorial Park is a dedicated space that celebrates the history, engineering marvel, and cultural significance of the Three Gorges Project. Located to the southwest of the dam itself, the park serves as a hub for education, commemoration, and leisure, making it a popular stop for tourists and locals alike.
The park features detailed displays and exhibits that narrate the journey of the Three Gorges Dam Project from inception to completion. Visitors can explore scale models, photographs, and multimedia presentations showcasing the dam's construction, its impact on flood control, power generation, and navigation, as well as its environmental and cultural implications.
Three Gorges Dam Jieliu Memorial Park is located 800 meters downstream on the right bank of the Three Gorges Dam. It is the only place within the entire Three Gorges Dam scenic area where you can take a direct photograph of the majestic Three Gorges Dam.
Visit Three Gorges Dam with Yangtze River Cruise
A Yangtze River cruise offers one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to visit the Three Gorges Dam while experiencing the stunning beauty of the Yangtze River and its surrounding landscapes. Cruising along the river allows visitors to witness the grandeur of the dam from a unique perspective, as well as explore other famous sites along the way.
Highlights of Yangtze River Cruise:
- Close-Up Views of the Three Gorges Dam: While on the Yangtze River, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Three Gorges Dam from the water. Many cruises include stops at the dam, allowing passengers to disembark and explore key attractions like the Five-Tier Ship Locks, Ship Lift, and observation decks for a closer look at the dam’s engineering marvels.
- Scenic Journey through the Three Gorges: The cruise takes you through the famous Three Gorges, a series of dramatic valleys and cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the river and surrounding mountains. The Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge are all highlights, each with its own natural beauty and cultural significance.
- Stops at Other Attractions: Along the way, many cruises stop at additional cultural and historical attractions, such as Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, and the Shennv Stream, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s history, culture, and traditions.
The Yangtze River cruise offers two main routes: downstream (from Chongqing to Yichang) and upstream (from Yichang to Chongqing). While each cruise company offers varying itineraries and excursions, the ports of call and the duration of the cruise are generally consistent. The downstream journey from Chongqing to Yichang is especially popular among tourists.
Downstream from Chongqing to Yichang (4 days, 3 nights)
Day 1: Board your ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock in the evening (6-8 PM). After departure at 9 PM, enjoy a welcome party onboard.
Day 2: In the morning, stop at Fengdu to visit attractions like the spooky Ghost City and scenic Shuanggui Mountain. Later, at Zhongxian, you can watch the Three Kingdoms Show or explore Zhongzhou Old Street. The ship sails overnight.
Day 3: Start the day at Fengjie, the perfect spot to enjoy views of Qutang Gorge, and visit Baidi City or The Summit of the Three Gorges. Next, sail through Wu Gorge and switch to a smaller boat for a tour of Shennu Creek, Lesser Three Gorges, and Mini Three Gorges. Return to the ship for dinner as it sails through Xiling Gorge.
Day 4: Disembark at Zigui Port in the morning to tour the Three Gorges Dam and nearby attractions like the Three Gorges Tribe. If you'd like, take a separate boat to experience the Ship Lift. After the tour, head to Yichang by car. From here, you can take a train or flight to your next destination, like Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, or Beijing.
Upstream from Yichang to Chongqing (5 days, 4 nights)
Day 1: Board the cruise between 6:00-8:00 PM at Zigui Port in Yichang. The ship stays overnight at the port.
Day 2: After boarding, take a bus or another boat to explore the Three Gorges Dam, Ship Lift, and Three Gorges Tribe. Return to the ship for lunch, and the ship departs for the next stop in the afternoon.
Day 3: The ship travels to Wuxia Gorge. Disembark for a small boat tour of Shennu Creek, Lesser Three Gorges, and the Tiny Three Gorges. Continue the journey to Qutang Gorge, where you can disembark to explore Baidi City.
Day 4: In the afternoon, the ship reaches Fengdu, where passengers can explore Fengdu Ghost City.
Day 5: Arrive at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock in the morning. After disembarking, you can explore the cyberpunk cityscape of Chongqing, visit Dazu Rock Carvings, or explore Wulong and other world heritage sites. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train or flight to your next destination, such as Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, or Yunnan.
For those looking to explore the Three Gorges Dam in depth while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the Yangtze River, a Yangtze River cruise is an unforgettable way to do so. Whether traveling upstream or downstream, the journey offers unparalleled views of one of the world's most iconic natural and engineering landmarks.
How to Get to Three Gorges Dam?
The Three Gorges Dam, located in Yichang, Hubei Province, is easily accessible for travelers and can be reached by various modes of transportation. Here are the most common ways to get to the dam:
- By Yangtze River Cruise: If you are taking a Yangtze River cruise, many cruises offer a stop at the Three Gorges Dam as part of the itinerary.The dam is a key stop for many cruises traveling between Chongqing and Yichang, so you can easily reach the dam during your river journey.
- By Air: Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH) is the nearest airport to the Three Gorges Dam. It is about 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from the dam. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the dam area. The drive typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
- By Train: Yichang East Railway Station is the main train station in the city. It is well-connected to major cities like Wuhan, Beijing, and Shanghai. After arriving at Yichang East Railway Station, you can take a taxi or public bus to the Three Gorges Dam, which is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. The trip by taxi takes around 1 hour.
- By Bus: There are regular buses from Yichang to the Three Gorges Dam area. Buses depart from the Yichang Long-distance Bus Station. The bus journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- By Private Car or Taxi: If you prefer a more direct and flexible route, you can hire a private car or taxi from Yichang or other nearby cities. This option is ideal if you want a more personalized and comfortable journey.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the Three Gorges Dam is well-connected, ensuring an easy and scenic visit to this impressive engineering marvel.
Best Time to Visit Three Gorges Dam
The best time to visit the Three Gorges Dam is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months.
1. Spring (March to May)
- Mild Weather: Spring offers mild temperatures and clear skies, making it the perfect time to explore the dam and its surroundings comfortably. The pleasant weather ensures you can enjoy outdoor activities like sightseeing and taking photographs without the discomfort of extreme heat or cold.
- Beautiful Scenery: Spring also brings lush greenery and blooming flowers to the area, enhancing the natural beauty of the Three Gorges region.
2. Autumn (September to November)
- Comfortable Temperatures: Autumn is another ideal season to visit, with cooler, comfortable temperatures and less rainfall, making it perfect for walking around the dam and the nearby parks.
- Clear Views: The air is usually crisp and clear during autumn, offering stunning panoramic views of the dam and the Yangtze River, especially at the observation decks.
- Fewer Crowds: With the peak summer travel season over, you can enjoy a more relaxed experience at the dam, with fewer tourists around.
3. Summer (June to August)
While summer can be hot and humid, it is still a popular time to visit, particularly for river cruises. If you're traveling during this time, be prepared for warmer weather, especially in the afternoon. Rainstorms are also more frequent, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat.
4. Winter (December to February)
Winter is the least popular time to visit the Three Gorges Dam due to cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind the chill, visiting during the winter months offers a peaceful, serene experience. Just make sure to bundle up to stay warm.
Overall, the best time to visit is during the spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant, the scenery is beautiful, and the area is less crowded, allowing you to fully appreciate the magnificence of the Three Gorges Dam.
Nearby Attractions
1. Quyuan Temple (屈原祠)
Located just 3 km upstream of the Three Gorges Dam, the Quyuan Temple is dedicated to the ancient poet and statesman Qu Yuan. A revered figure in Chinese history, Qu Yuan is famous for his patriotism and his contributions to Chinese literature.
The temple is situated near the Xiling Gorge, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can explore the temple's beautiful architecture, historical displays, and tranquil gardens, making it a great stop for history and culture enthusiasts. You can also admire the Three Gorges Dam from a distance in Quyuan Temple. The site also offers a deeper understanding of Chinese heritage, especially related to the Dragon Boat Festival, which commemorates Qu Yuan’s legacy.
2. Three Gorges Immigrant Museum (三峡移民博物馆)
The Three Gorges Immigrant Museum, located near Quyuan Temple, is an essential stop for those wanting to understand the human side of the Three Gorges Project. The museum showcases the resettlement efforts made necessary by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. It presents the stories of the 1.3 million people who were relocated from their homes, offering a look at the social and cultural impact of the dam. Through exhibits, photographs, and personal accounts, visitors gain insight into the challenges and resilience of these communities, as well as the history of the dam’s construction and its environmental effects.
3. Three Gorges Tribe (三峡人家)
Located downstream of the Three Gorges Dam, the Three Gorges Tribe offers visitors a unique glimpse into the traditional culture and lifestyle of the local people. The site is a cultural village that preserves the ancient customs of the Tujia ethnic group, one of the indigenous communities of the region. Visitors can experience traditional performances, explore local architecture, and participate in cultural activities like handicraft workshops. The stunning natural scenery surrounding the village, with its mountains, rivers, and terraced fields, provides a picturesque backdrop that makes this site a peaceful and fascinating addition to any tour of the Three Gorges region.
These three attractions, all located in close proximity to the Three Gorges Dam, offer rich cultural and historical experiences, making them must-visit destinations for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the region.
Enjoy Your Yangtze River Cruise Journey with Asia Odyssey Travel
Start a captivating voyage through the heart of China with Asia Odyssey Travel. Our expert team specializes in crafting unforgettable Yangtze River cruise experiences, ensuring you witness the breathtaking scenery, delve into rich history, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this majestic waterway.
Asia Odyssey Travel Benefits for Your Journey:
Tour Packages: Yangtze River Tours, Beijing Yangtze Tours, Shanghai Yangtze Tours, China Cruise Tours
Our Yangtze Cruise Partners & Ships: Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, Changjiang Cruises, Yangtze Gold Cruises, 20+Yangtze River Cruise Ships
How to Chosse a Ship: Family-friendly, Luxury, Largest, Best-value, New, Cheap
Cruise Lines: Yichang to Chongqing, Chongqing to Yichang, Chongqing to Shanghai, Upsteam or Downstream
Attractions: Yangtze River Attractions, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam
Travel Guide: Yangtze River Facts, How to Plan, Itinerary, Cost, How to Book, Best Time to Visit, Reviews
Transportation: Cruise Ports, Chaotianmen Dock, Chongqing Airport, Chongqing Train Stations, Yichang Airport, Yichang East Station
Let Asia Odyssey Travel guide you through the enchanting world of Yangtze River cruising. Create lasting memories as you explore this iconic waterway and uncover the hidden gems of China.
Data in submission...
