Three Gorges Dam
三峡大坝旅游区
The world's largest water control project. Overlooks at Tanziling show the 2,309-meter dam and its five-tier double-lane ship lock, while the 185 Platform lets you view the dam crest at eye level. A must-visit national 5A-rated scenic area in Yichang.
The Three Gorges Dam is located in Sandouping Town, Yiling District, Yichang City. It is 185 meters high and 2,309 meters long, and is the world's largest hydropower station and water control project. Since 2014, Chinese tourists have entered free of charge and only need to buy a site transport ticket. The scenic area consists of three parks. Tanziling is the highest point, at 262.5 meters above sea level, with 360-degree views of the dam, the double-lane five-tier ship lock and the vertical ship lift. Exhibits include the Wannian Riverbed Stone and the Diversion Stone. The 185 Observation Platform is level with the dam crest and offers a straight-on view of the upstream high-canyon lake. It is the best spot for photographing the dam face and the ship lock. The Diversion Memorial Park lies on the south bank downstream of the dam. From here, you look up at the spillway, and during the flood season, the spray rises like a cloud. Sightseeing Bus Line A costs 35 yuan per person, includes all three parks and takes about 3.5 hours. Line B costs 18 yuan, excludes the Diversion Memorial Park and takes about 2 hours. Opening hours are 8:00–18:00. You must make a real-name reservation via the WeChat account "Three Gorges Dam Tourism". Same-day bookings are possible before 15:00 that day. During public holidays, book 1–7 days in advance. Self-drivers entering the dedicated Three Gorges road must register at the dam area checkpoint. Getting there: from Yichang East Station, take a dedicated shuttle (about 98 yuan round trip, including sightseeing bus), or take Bus 1 or 9, transfer to Bus 21, then Bus 8 to the visitor center (about 2 hours). You can also join a "Two Dams and One Gorge" cruise and pass through the ship lock by water. Notes: inside the park, you can only travel by sightseeing bus, not on foot. It is hot and shady-free in summer, so bring sun protection and water. Security checks are required at entry, and you must bring your ID card.
Opening hours
8:00 am–6:00 pm (real-name booking required)
Nearby sights
- Three Gorges Dam Closure Memorial Park
- Qu Yuan's Hometown & Qu Yuan Temple, Zigui
- Huangling Temple
- Three Gorges Tribe (Sanxia Renjia)
- Xiling Gorge
- Shipai Anti-Japanese War Memorial
- Chexi Folk Scenic Area
- Jiuwanxi River