Sanmenxia Dam & Zhongliu Dizhu
三门峡水利枢纽
The first large-scale water control project built on the main stream of the Yellow River in New China. Below the dam, the 'Zhongliu Dizhu' boulder stands firm in the rushing current.
The Sanmenxia Water Control Project began construction in 1957 and was largely completed in 1960. It is known as 'the First Dam on the Ten-Thousand-Li Yellow River'. Visitors can climb to the top of the dam to look out over the reservoir and gorge. The giant boulder 'Zhongliu Dizhu' in the riverbed below the dam gave its name to the Chinese idiom for a pillar of strength in times of crisis. During the water-and-sediment regulation operations before the flood season, the dam releases water and sediment. Yellow waves surge and mist fills the air, making this the most spectacular time to visit. The dam is about 20 km from the city center and is best reached by car or taxi. Admission follows the scenic area's announcements. During discharge periods, crowds are heavy, so please follow on-site instructions.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00