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Address: Yangtze River, China
Admission: CNY 105 (including the minibus in the scenic area which runs every 20 mintes)

Three Gorges Dam (Sanxia Daba) Tours

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.

Tours & Tickets

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3-Night Victoria Jenna Three Gorges Cruise Tour From Chongqing to Yichang

2 Reviews

Introduced in 2009, Victoria Jenna Cruise lets you enjoy a luxury cruise experience during your voyage through the Yangtze River. Victoria Jenna Cruise is a ... Read more

Location: Chongqing, China
Duration: 4 days (approx.)

From USD $425.00

4-Day 3-Night Yangtze Gold Three Gorges Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang

1 Review

This luxurious floating hotel, Yangtze Gold 1, began her service in 2011 along the magnificent Yangtze River. The ship is perfectly equipped with a restaurant, ... Read more

Location: Chongqing Region, China
Duration: 4 days (approx.)

From USD $475.00

3-Night Yangtze Gold 5 Three Gorges Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang

The luxurious 5-star Yangtze Gold 5 began her maiden voyage in June 2012. With her grand lobby leading into a beautiful ballroom, elegant restaurant and top ... Read more

Location: Chongqing Region, China
Duration: 4 days (approx.)

From USD $475.00

3-Night President 8 Three Gorges Cruise Tour From Chongqing to Yichang

The luxury cruise ship President No. 8 started their maiden voyage in April, 2013 as one of the largest Yangtze River cruise ships. As the sister ship of ... Read more

Location: Chongqing Region, China
Duration: 4 days (approx.)

From USD $439.00

3-Night Century Paragon Three Gorges Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang

Century Paragon, sister ship of Century Legend, one of the newest 5 stars cruise on the Yangtze River, offering the best facilities, delicious food, excursions ... Read more

Location: Chongqing, China
Duration: 4 days (approx.)

From USD $565.00

6-Day Xi'an Sightseeing and Deluxe Yangtze River Cruise Tour including Airfare from Xi'an to Chongqing

Book this unique 6-day tour to explore the splendor of China by visiting Xi’an, Chongqing and the Three Gorges Dam on the deluxe 5-star river cruise. On the ... Read more

Location: Xi'an, China
Duration: 6 days (approx.)

From USD $1,192.00

4-Day Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

The Yangtze River Cruise is the best way to discover the longest river in China and its unique landscape. The itinerary includes a visit to Shibaozhai, the ... Read more

Location: Chongqing, China
Duration: 4 days (approx.)

From USD $553.00

11-Day Small-Group China Tour: Beijing - Xi'an - Yangtze Cruise - Shanghai

This 11-day China small group tour is a collection of highlight cities - Beijing, the capital city for several dynasties; Xi'an - the starting point of the ... Read more

Location: Beijing, China
Duration: 11 days (approx.)

From USD $1,957.00

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Three Gorges Dam (Sanxia Daba) Tours

Tours & Tickets

3-Night Victoria Jenna Three Gorges Cruise Tour From Chongqing to Yichang

4-Day 3-Night Yangtze Gold Three Gorges Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang

3-Night Yangtze Gold 5 Three Gorges Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang

3-Night President 8 Three Gorges Cruise Tour From Chongqing to Yichang

3-Night Century Paragon Three Gorges Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang

6-Day Xi'an Sightseeing and Deluxe Yangtze River Cruise Tour including Airfare from Xi'an to Chongqing

4-Day Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

11-Day Small-Group China Tour: Beijing - Xi'an - Yangtze Cruise - Shanghai

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