Three Gorges Dam Facts
Where is the Three Gorges Dam
As the largest hydropower-complex projects in the world, the Three Gorges Dam is located in Sandouping of Xiling Gorge, the middle of the three gorges in Yichang city.
The foremost reason to choose this location for this project is to control the water level to avoid flood, which has been proved successfully.
How long is the Three Gorges Dam
The biggest Three Gorges Dam is about 2,309 meters long and 185 meters high. It can impound water for 175 meters high. With the shape of trapezoid, the top of the dam is 15 meters wide and the bottom is 124 meters wide.
Schedule of Three Gorges Dam Project
Having experienced a total duration of 17 years, Three Gorges Dam project was finished by composing of three parts-the dam itself, the hydropower stations and the navigation facility. With 2,335 meters long, 185 meters high, 18 meters wide at the top and 130 meters wide at the bottom, this massive project included three stages to be constructed.
- First Stage (1993-1997): the preparation of cofferdam construction; the excavation of a diversion channel; temporary left ship lock completion.
- Second Stage (1998-2003): complete cofferdam construction and navigation buildings; permanent left ship lock with machinery installed.
- Third Stage (2003-2009): installation of all machinery, the construction of the power station and the dam on the right bank are finished.
Three Gorges Dam Pros & Cons
Accompany the construction of the project, three gorges dam controversy rose up enormously, mainly concerning about the flood control, relocation of people, surrounding environment, water pollution, tourists’ sites and etc. The advantages and disadvantages of this great project became a hot topic among scientists at that time.
Click to read more about Advantages & Disadvantages of Three Gorges Dam.
Three Gorges Dam Travel
Opened in 1997, the tourist area of the dam has fully presented to tourists the impressive water conservancy project by visiting the scenic spots of Tanzi Mountain, 185 Platform, Dam Viewing Point and Memorial Garden. Tourists can have chance to view the roaring flood discharge and know the culture and history of the dam project.
How to get to the dam: Taking Yangtze River Cruise between Chongqing to Yichang or Shanghai is the best way to visit the dam and have the closest look at how the cruise passing through the ship locks.
If you do not want to take an entire China Yangtze River cruise, you just need to take buses from Yichang to have a look at the famous Three Gorges dam site.
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Thanks for your question! I'm sorry there is no detailed price list available. The price of the alcohol onboard Century Sun would be a little higher than those in a land store, however, still acceptable. For example, the price of a bottle of beer onboard is about 30 RMB - 48 RMB, and the whisky is about 38 RMB/4cl - 48 RMB/4cl. The price varies according to different type of the alcohol.
Besides, there are several kinds of drink packages onboard, including soft water packages, red wine packages, beer packages, extra-value packages, etc.
Soft water package covers all the soft drinks, fruit juice, normal coffee and tea;
Red wine package covers all the wine, coffee, tea and soft drinks except the Perrier and Evian mineral water;
Beer package covers all the beers, coffee, tea and soft water except the Perrier, Evian mineral water and Erdinger;
Extra-value package covers all the cocktail, beer, coffee, tea, soft drinks, fruit juice and wine except Erdinger, Remy Martin and Chivas Royal Salute.
The prices of those packages may vary from 200-800 RMB per person. After booking the package, you can enjoy the included drinks during the whole trip. The prices for upstream cruises and downstream cruises are different. Please refer to the actual price onboard. If you are in need, you can ask the reception desk for help, with your room card carried.
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