Central China

Three Gorges Dam Travel Guide

Tanzi Ridge · 185 Platform · Double-line Level-5 Ship Lock

The Three Gorges Dam is currently the world's largest hydropower project, with a dam crest elevation of 185 meters. Standing on Tanziling to overlook the full panorama and the five-level ship locks is the most direct way to understand the scale of this project.

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Destination Details

Key facts

Best seasonAll year

Suggested stay2–3 hours

Key highlightsTanzi Ridge · 185 Observation Deck · Flood Control Memorial Park · Ship Lock

Admission ticketThe scenic area requires transferring to a sightseeing bus, and entry requires real-name security check.

RemindYou must carry identification, and drones are prohibited in the park.

The Three Gorges Dam is located on the main stream of the Yangtze River within Yichang, with the dam site at Sandouping in the middle section of Xiling Gorge. The main structure is a concrete gravity dam, with a total length of about 2,300 meters, a dam crest elevation of 185 meters, a normal water level of 175 meters, and a total reservoir capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters.

Key Highlights

Tanzi Ridge

The highest viewing spot in the park, offering a panoramic view of the entire dam and the upstream and downstream river surfaces. It is the standard location for photographing the "full view of the dam." Beside it is a cross-section model explaining how ships traverse the 113-meter drop.

185 Viewing Platform

At the same elevation as the dam crest, allowing for a level view of the dam; it feels much closer than Tanzi Ridge and provides a clear view of the size of the spillway gates.

Double-Line Five-Stage Ship Lock and Diversion Memorial Park

The ship lock is on the left bank, serving as the passage for ships through the dam, consisting of five consecutive stages; the Diversion Memorial Park preserves the stone materials and engineering machinery used for the diversion at that time.

Recommended Stay

2 hours: Tanzi Ridge, 185 Platform.
3 hours: Add Diversion Memorial Park.

Local Reminders

Entry requires real-name security check; be sure to bring identification.
The park area is large and relies on sightseeing vehicles for transportation; pay attention to the last departure.
Drones are prohibited, and do not take photos in military or police areas.