Three Gorges Dam History

Three Gorges Dam History – Brief Introduction

In May, 2006, the 2309 meters long Three Gorges Dam Project was completed. It is the largest concrete gravity dam in the world. Until now, Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydro junction for its comprehensive benefits in the world. It is not only plays an important role in flood prevention and navigation, but also the annual generating capacity is the first in the world.

Investment for Three Gorges Dam Project is 95,460 millions RMB, including 50,090 millions key project, 30,070 millions migration settlement allowance for the 1130,000 immigrants, 15,300 millions transmitting and converting electricity project. The whole project started from 1993 and ended in2009, lasting 17 years. It was divided into 3 stages. This dam is concrete gravity dam, 3025 meters long and 185 meters high. The normal water storage level is 175 meters, and the total volume is 39,300 millions cubic meters. Among them, the flood prevention volume is 22,150 millions cubic meters which can resist the largest flood in hundred years. There are two generating plants with 26 electric generators in them, and the annual average generating capacity is 84,9 00,000,000. The navigation capacity increased to 50 millions tons, and ten thousands tons degree ships can come to Chongqing directly, and the transportation cost will decrease 35%.

Three Gorges Dam History – Water Storage

After Three Gorges Dam project completed, there formed a giant reservoir which is 600 kilometers long. It is rarely seen new sight in the world. Three Gorges Dam takes the way that store water in different stages.

When the river was cut off in Nov.8th, 1997, the water level increased to 88 meters from 66 meters, and the landscapes in Three Gorges did not be affected.

In June, 2003, the second stage project was completed. The water level increased to 135 meters. The Zhang Fei Temple in Three Gorges Scenic Spot which would be submerged was removed to other place. The other scenic spots were well protected.

In 2006, the water level of Yangtze River increased to 156 meters. But just the gate of Qu Yuan Temple would be submerged, and it was rebuilt.

In 2009, the whole Three Gorges Dam project was completed, and the water level increased to 175 meters. At that time, a small part of inscriptions would be removed and the gate of Shibaozhai would be submerged for 1.5 meters. So, there built dyke to protect Shibaozhai, and Yuyin (Jade Seal) Mountain where Shibaozhai located became a lonely peak which was surround by water in four sides. The other sight spots were still keeping their original scene. With the formation of man-made lakes along the river mountains and improvement of navigation condition, there are many distribute sight spots around Three Gorges can be reached easily, just as the Lesser Three Gorges, Shennong Stream and some other paradise galleries.

Furthermore, Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Dam which are two modern spectacles in the world have become new sight spots in Three Gorges, add more highlights for there. The Yangtze River Three Gorges which gathered natural landscape, ancient relics and modern spectacles together will attractive and intoxicate the visitors from everywhere in the world as it was.