Three Gorges Dam (Sanxia Daba) Tours
_iStock_000017831528XSmall.jpg)
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.
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)
3 Tours & Activities to Experience
Sort by:Default
From
$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.
- Learn More
From
$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.
- Learn More
From
$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.
- Learn More