Three Gorges Dam (Sanxia Daba) Tours
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China’s largest construction project since the Great Wall and the biggest dam in the world in terms of installed capacity, the Three Rivers Dam spans 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) and is more than 600 feet (183 meters) tall. The dam is an impressive feat of engineering despite the controversy surrounding its environmental and human impacts.
The Basics
While you can’t walk on the dam, there’s a viewing area with a great perspective that allows for photo ops (especially when the turbines are spewing water from the reservoir). The small museum next to the viewing area has a large model of the dam and gives a brief history of the building project. If you’re cruising the Yangtze River to or from Yichang, you will likely have to pass through the five-step ship lock that allow boats to bypass the dam; most cruises include a shore excursion to the dam.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Three Gorges Dam is a must-see for visitors interested in science and engineering.
Shade is limited around the dam, so be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
The dam is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare to do a lot of walking.
If you want to experience the ship locks during waking hours, choose a downstream Yangtze cruise toward Chongqing.
Shade is limited around the dam, so be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
The dam is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare to do a lot of walking.
If you want to experience the ship locks during waking hours, choose a downstream Yangtze cruise toward Chongqing.
How to Get There
The dam sits 27 miles (43 kilometers) upstream from Yichang City in Hubei Province, and a vast majority of visitors see the dam as part of an organized shore excursion aboard a Yangtze River cruise. If you would rather see the dam by land, catch one of several buses from Yichang to the site.
When to Get There
Prices for Yangtze River cruises tend to be lowest during the winter and highest during the busy months of April, May, September, and October. For the best chance to see the impressive spectacle of the dam releasing water for flood control purposes, plan to visit during the rainy season (summer).
Three Gorges Dam by the Numbers
Building the Three Gorges Dam was a massive undertaking. The official bill came in at US$24 billion and some 244 square miles (632 square kilometers) of land was flooded, displacing 1.3 million people. The dam’s 26 turbines are capable of producing around three percent of China’s energy.
Address: Yangtze River, China
Admission: CNY 105 (including the minibus in the scenic area which runs every 20 mintes)
8 Tours & Activities to Experience Three Gorges Dam (Sanxia Daba)
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$475.00 USD
3-Night Yangtze Gold 5 Three Gorges Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang
- Immerse yourself in luxury aboard the Yangtze Gold 5 cruise boat on a 3-night cruise from Chongqing to Yichang that takes in the rich history, culture and natural wonders of this section of the Yangtze River. Hear about the significance of sites such as Fengdu Ghost City, Lesser Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam on included shore excursions, and have the option to see the pagoda at Shibaozhai, and the temples and shrines of White Emperor City. All meals are included along with accommodation an ensuite balcony cabin.
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$439.00 USD
3-Night President 8 Three Gorges Cruise Tour From Chongqing to Yichang
- Cruise aboard the President Number 8 luxury ship for three extraordinary days on the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang. Take in gorgeous scenery and important sites such as Fengdu Ghost City, Three Gorges Dam and Lesser Three Gorges on shore excursions that are included, with the option to add trips to White Emperor City and Shibaozhai. One of the newest luxury cruise boats on the Yangtze River, President Number 8 provides luxurious accommodation with all meals included, plus several shore excursions and an informative guide.
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$553.00 USD
4-Day Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
- Immerse yourself in the scenery and history of one of China’s most popular regions aboard a Yangtze River cruise that travels from Chongqing to Yichang. Enjoy your ship’s luxurious amenities while taking in the sights along the majestic Yangtze River, passing through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennong Stream and Daning River. Take daily shore excursions to Fengdu Ghost City, Three Gorges Dam and an optional tour to White Emperor City (own expense), or simply relax on board your cruise boat. You’ll hear informative commentary about the region throughout the tour.
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$1,957.00 USD
11-Day Small-Group China Tour: Beijing - Xi'an - Yangtze Cruise - Shanghai
- Travel through China with an experienced guide for eleven days of sightseeing around Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and the Yangtze River. Stop at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Terracotta Warriors and Great Wall of China, and enjoy a 2-night Yangtze River cruise that takes you to Three Gorges Dam. Glimpse China’s long history in Beijing’s hutongs and Xi’an’s Wild Goose Pagoda, and experience cultural sites including the Shanghai Bund, Tianzifang, and Yu Gardens and Bazaar. Includes three flights, accommodations, transportation, and some meals.
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$425.00 USD
3-Night Victoria Jenna Three Gorges Cruise Tour From Chongqing to Yichang
- Enjoy a 4-day luxury cruise aboard the Victoria Jenna, gliding down the scenic Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang. Daily shore excursions highlight attractions along the way, including the pagoda at Shibaozhai, the scenery at Shen Nv Stream, and the natural beauty and technological wonders of the Three Gorges Dam area. Optional excursions are also available to Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City. Includes three nights of accommodation on the Victoria Jenna in a 5-star twin cabin with balcony, all meals and entrance fees to included attractions.
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$475.00 USD
4-Day 3-Night Yangtze Gold Three Gorges Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang
- Glide down the magnificent Yangtze River aboard the Yangtze Gold 3 for a luxurious cruise experience that takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in China. Depart from Chongqing and head to Yichang, spending three nights on a ship that resembles a luxury hotel. Visit popular attractions like Fengdu Ghost City, Lesser Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam; and add on trips to see the pagoda at Shibaozhai and the temples at White Emperor City if you like. Stay overnight in balcony cabin accommodations, with meals and informative commentary included.
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$565.00 USD
3-Night Century Paragon Three Gorges Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang
- Step on board the Century Paragon cruise ship for an unforgettable Yangtze River cruise. Start from Chongqing and sail to Yichang in comfort on a state-of-the-art ship. Stop each day for shore excursions at Shibaozhai, Shen'nv Stream (Goddess Stream) and Three Gorges Dam, and take additional optional trips to Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City if you like. Learn from your informative guide about the places you visit and enjoy three nights of accommodation with all meals included.
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$1,192.00 USD
6-Day Xi'an Sightseeing and Deluxe Yangtze River Cruise Tour including Airfare from Xi'an to Chongqing
- Discover the splendors of China on a 6-day tour that combines two days of sightseeing in Xi’an with a 3-day Yangtze River cruise. Visit some of Xi’an’s top sights including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, which features the burial complex of Emperor Qin. You also stop at the Xi’an City Wall, Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum before flying to Chongqing. Glide down the Yangtze River to Yichang, with shore excursions to Shibaozhai, Shen’nv Stream (Goddess Stream), and Three Gorges Dam.
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