Overview of Three Gorges Project

The full name of Three Gorges Project is Yangtze River Three Gorges Water Conservancy Hub Project. In April 3rd, 1992, the idea of Three Gorges Project was passed in the Fifth Plenary Session of the Seventh National People's Congress. In 1994, the Three Gorges Project started to be built.

Overview of Three Gorges Project – Construction Course

The whole construction course of Three Gorges Project can be divided into three stages, lasting 17 years.

The first stage is five years (1993-1997). The first stage, except some preparation works, is mainly to fill first stage cofferdam, dig diversion canal, build concrete cofferdam and the temporary ship lock (120 meters high) on the left bank, and start to build the permanent ship locks on the left bank, lifting machine and the construction of the dam on the left bank.

The second stage is six years (1997 – 2003). The main task of the second stage project is to build second stage cofferdam, construct and install the machine of the power station on the left bank; at the same time, going on to complete the construction of permanent ship lock and lifting machine.

The third stage is six years (2003 - 2009). This stage is to carry out the construction of the dam and power station on the right bank, and going on to complete the installment of all the machines. When the three stages project completed, the Three Gorges reservoir became a quiet reservoir in the gorges, which is 600 kilometers long, and 2000 meters wide at the widest part.

Overview of Three Gorges Project – Giant Benefits

The Three Gorges Project is the largest water conservancy project in China, even in the world. It is key project for harnessing and developing the Yangtze River. The Three Gorges Project has flood control, power generation, navigation and some other comprehensive benefits.

The first aim of Three Gorges Project is flood control. It can effectively control the flood on the upstream of the Yangtze River.

The total installed capacity of the Three Gorges Hydropower station is 18,200,000 KWH. It will be helpful for the economic development in East China, Middle China and North China and decreasing the environment pollution.

The Three Gorges Hydropower station will greatly improve the navigation course between Yichang and Chongqing, so the ten thousands tons ships can reach Chongqing port directly.

Overview of Three Gorges Project – Project Layout

The Three Gorges Project consists of the dam, hydropower station and navigation buildings.

The dam is located on the middle part of the riverbed, the original place of main river channel, with the power station dam and non – spillway dam on the both banks. The building of power station is located on the behind of the dam. And the permanent navigation buildings distributed on the left bank.

Overview of Three Gorges Project – Submerged Area

When the water level in Three Gorges reservoir reached 175 meters, there will form the largest submerged area in the world before the Three Gorges Dam – Three Gorges Reservoir Area.

The Three Gorges Reservoir submerged 632 square kilometers land area, including 2 cities, 11 counties and 116 towns.