Three Gorges

Three Gorges Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

The dam site is 27 miles upstream from Yichang City proper, at Sandouping Town, 38km upstream from the Gezhouba Dam Lock, inside the third of the Three Gorges. It is planned to be by far the largest hydroelectric project in the world. The Project calls for the construction of a concrete dam, a hydroelectric power plant and a series of locks just below the scenic Three Gorges region. The project is designed to be built in three phases and is scheduled for completion in year 2009.

Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River has been a dream for generations and will be one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by mankind. This great dam, the largest of its kind in the world, will provide China with tremendous power generation and flood control services. It was in 1992 that the Chinese Government finally gave the go ahead for the scheme, some seventy years after Dr. Sun Yet-Sen, pioneer of the Chinese democratic revolution, first proposed the idea.

Latest Construction

One of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in the world, the Three Gorges Project will forever change the face of the Yangtze River as we know it today. Possessing comprehensive utilization benefits mainly for flood control, power generation and navigation improvement. It will be a vital important and backbone project in harnessing and developing of the Yangtze River. Measures have been taken to preserve and move the historical and cultural relics found along its banks; however many scenic spots will be adversely affected. The most dramatic section of the river, what we refer to as "the heart of the Yangtze"-the area from the Three Gorges all the way upstream to Chongqing-will eventually be drowned by the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, an integral part of the Three Gorges Project.

Further Tourism

The Three Gorges Dam Project will promote further tourism. As the largest water conservancy in the world combined with the world-renowned natural beauty the Three Gorges will become the "hottest" tourist and press attraction in recent years.

The Three Gorges Dam Project shows rapid change with each passing day. To develop tourism, the China Three Gorges Dam Project Corporation built the Tanziling to enable visitors to see the panorama of Three Gorges from the highest point of the building site. The exhibition house and environmental garden are located in the dam area, which includes the natural scenic spot Maogongshan and the old architecture Huangling Temple. Combined, these highlight the beauty of science and culture while showing the value of the Three Gorges Dam Project in China's water Conservancy effort.

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Qutang Gorge

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The Qutang Gorge is the first and narrowest of the Three Gorges. It extends eastward from White King Town to Daxi. At times labeled as the most dangerous pass in the world, the gorge is no more than 5 miles (8km) long yet its rough waters and narrow passage (as narrow as 150 feet, 50 meters) can make for a beautiful yet dangerous passage. At the entrance of the Qutang Gorge, steep cliffs on either side look like two towering closing doors. This section of the Yangtze River is flanked with steep and jagged knife-cut cliffs and towering peaks. Once in the gorge, Mt. Chijia on the north (Red Armor Cliffs) and Mt. Baiyan (White Salt Cliffs) on the south penetrate into the sky facing each other so closely that they sometime appear if each mountain crosses the Yangtze touching each other. Looking from a distance in a clear day, Mt. Chijia sometimes resembles a huge pink peach and Mt. Biyan, a mountain of white salt glittering in the sunlight. The most spectacular view of the gorge is when both mountains disappear in the mist and low cloud cover.

Splendid

The Qutang Gorge boasts not only splendid scenic landscapes but also places of great historical interest. Displayed along the rock faces are master artworks of calligraphy and stone engravings from different dynasties.

Wu Gorge

Leaving the magnificence of the Qutang Gorge behind, the splendor of Wu Gorge comes in sight. The Wu Gorge (gorge of witches) appears as the most enchanting of the three gorges. The Wu Gorge has beautiful peaks and steep cliffs on either side, some reaching as high as 6400 feet (2000 meters). The high canyon walls sometimes block out the sun's rays and when misty, create an almost surreal view of the gorge. The Wu Gorge is named after Mt. Wushan. It extends eastward from the mouth of the Daning River in the east of Wushan City (Sichuan Province) to the city of Guandukou in Badong County (Hubei Province). Having a length of 28 miles (45km), the wide Wu Gorge is flanked with towering peaks, steep cliffs, and countless twists and turns in the river. The twelve peaks of Mt. Wushan crate a spectacular scene. The peaks are varied in shape with some appear as forms such as dragons flying to the sky or phoenixes spreading their wings. Some mountains are shrouded in clouds and others covered with ancient pine trees. Located in the region of Wu Gorge are such famous walled cities as Wushan, Badong, and Zigui.

Xiling Gorge

Described by an ancient poet as "torrents from above falling upon ten thousand snow drifts", the Xiling Gorge is the longest and the last of the three gorges. The Xiling Gorge stretches 48 miles (76km) from the mouth of the Xiangxi River in Zigui County in the west to Nanjin Pass of Yichang City in the east. Once dangerous for hidden shoals and rock landslides, the Xiling Gorge was once refereed to as a "ship graveyard." In Xiling Gorge lie a few small gorges from west to east including the Tactics Books and Sword Gorge, the Bull's Liver and Horse's Lung Gorge, the Shadow Play Gorge, and the Ox Gorge. Along the Shadow Play Gorge are hidden waterfalls and caves.

Three Gorges Highlights

Three Gorges Highlights Related

Three Gorges attraction highlights

• Qutang Gorge
• Wu Gorge
• Xiling Gorge
• Three Gorges Dam
• Chongqing Three Gorges Museum

Yangtze River attraction highlights

The mighty Yangtze, or ChangJiang, is the third largest river in the world (The Nile is the longest, followed by the Amazon.). At 6,300 kilometers (3,900 miles), the Yangtze is closest in length to the Mississippi. Among the Chinese, the name Yangtze is rarely used. They prefer Chang Jiang simply, Long River.

• Shanghai
• Chongqing
• Nanjing
• Yichang
• Danjiangkou
• Badong
• Jingzhou
• Wuhan

• Qutang Gorge
• Wu Gorge
• Xiling Gorge
• Three Gorges Dam
• The First Bend of the Yangtze
• Small Three Gorges
• Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

Three Gorges FAQ & Travelers's Tips

1. I know the big rivers in China divide this country into different drainage areas. Can you introduce some famous rivers for me?
2. Which one is the longest river in China?
3. Why Chinese refer to the Yellow River as "the Mother River" and "the Cradle of the Chinese civilization?"
4. If I want to pay a visit to the Yangtze River, Could you recommend some famous scenic areas?
5. I am interested in the three Yangze River Gorges, May I know more about them?
6. Which is the most convenient way If I pay a visit to the three Yangze River Gorges?
7. Could you recommend some famous mountains in China?
8. Can you recommend some of the Five Sacred Mountains briefly?
9. Can you recommend some good choices if I want to climb mountain?
10. What is the best time to climb mountains in China such as the five famous mountains? Can I reserve rooms on the top of the mountains?
11. There is a saying in China: east or west, Guilin is the best. Why do we say that?
12. Silk Road is an imaginary place for me. Could you give a general introduction?
13. What is the best season to visit the Silk Road?
14. Why Giant Panda is referred to a Chinese national treasure?

1. I know the big rivers in China divide this country into different drainage areas. Can you introduce some famous rivers for me?

   Sure, there are some long rivers they divide China into different regions such as Yangtze River, Yellow River, Qinhuai River, Huai River, Yalu River and some other rivers.
   




2. Which one is the longest river in China?

   I should say the Yangtze River (Changjiang), over 6,300 kilometers long, it is the largest and longest river in China, and the third-longest in the world. As the largest river in the region, the Yangtze is historically, culturally, and economically important to China.
   

3. Why Chinese refer to the Yellow River as "the Mother River" and "the Cradle of the Chinese civilization?"

   The Yellow River is called "the cradle of Chinese civilization," as its basin is the birthplace of the northern Chinese civilizations and is the most prosperous region in early Chinese history. But frequent devastating flooding, largely due to the elevated river bed in its lower course, has also earned it the unenviable name "China's Sorrow."




4. If I want to pay a visit to the Yangtze River, Could you recommend some famous scenic areas?

   Yes, the most impressive section of the river is the three Yangtze River Gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling Gorge, collectively known as Sanxia, or the Three Gorges.
   
   
   
   

5. I am interested in the three Yangze River Gorges, May I know more about them?

   Qutang Gorge, Rocky Mountains rise perpendicularly like walls on both sides of the river squeezing the broad river into a narrow ribbon threading its way in the Qutang Gorge. The turbulent waters flowing in the deep gorge along a continuous line of peaks make a most magnificent picture. Wuxia Gorge is noted for its deep and serene scenes. Wuxia Gorge is full of zigzag, weird peaks, rising mists and beautiful sights. The famous Twelve Peaks on both banks of the river, in particular, are the most spectacular. These strange-looking peaks are like a fairy maid dancing. And Xiling Gorge is known for dangerous rapids and numerous shoals, the latter including the Qingtan, Kongling and Xietan shoals.
   
   

6. Which is the most convenient way If I pay a visit to the three Yangze River Gorges?

   In most cases, steamboat is your favorite choice. When the steamboat ploughed across the largest river, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery on both sides.
   
   
   

7. Could you recommend some famous mountains in China?

   There are Five Sacred Mountains in China. They are the Eastern Mountain - Mt. Taishan, the Sounthern Mountain C Mt. Hengshan, the Western Mountain C Mt. Huashan, the Northern Mountain C Mt. Hengshan and the Central Mountain C Mt. Songshan.
   

8. Can you recommend some of the Five Sacred Mountains briefly?

   I will introduce you the most representative two mountains: Mt. Taishan and Mt. Huashan. Towering in the central part of Shandong Province, Mt. Taishan, with its elevation of 1545 meters above sea level, is the first of China's five sacred mountains and one of the national major famous scenic areas. Standing in Huayin County, 120 km east of Xi'an City, the Mt. Huashan is noted for its sheer cliffs and towering peaks. The peaks are connected by a series of sharp ridges, generally only wide enough to accommodate one person at a time Along the touring route, tourists can visit many amazing ancient buildings perched on the knife-sharp edges.

    

9. Can you recommend some good choices if I want to climb mountain?

   I should mention the Eastern Mountain - Mt. Taishan. There is a saying that Mt.Taishan is the preeminent of the Five Sacred Mountains. Mt. Taishan has an extremely rich cultural heritage. It has always been regarded as pre-eminent among China's five sacred mountains. It was also a symbol of power. And secondly, I should say Mt. Huangshan. It is often said that enjoy Huangshan Mountain, there're no more mountains! Mt. Huangshan can boast not only of its magnificence but also its abundant resources and great variety of zoological species, for which it has been listed as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site.




10. What is the best time to climb mountains in China such as the five famous mountains? Can I reserve rooms on the top of the mountains?

    Sure, we can always make the arrangement according to your requirements. If you want to stay one night on the top of the mountain, please let us know so that we can inform the hotels beforehand to meet your needs. Actually, different seasons have different scene, but there is one rule you should to follow that is to avoid the high tourist season in China.
    
    

11. There is a saying in China: east or west, Guilin is the best. Why do we say that?

    Guilin is the world famous scenery tour city, has the matchless karst landform. Here mountain, the flat land pulls out, differ in thousands of ways; The Lijiang River water, winds windingly, the clear and bright like mirror; The mountain has the hole, the hole peaceful scene is wonderful, magnificent sight. So she got the name.
    
    

12. Silk Road is an imaginary place for me. Could you give a general introduction?

    Silk Road is one of the world's oldest and most historically important trade routes and its influences on the culture of China, Central Asia and the West. It is a series of trade and cultural transmission routes that were central to cultural interaction through regions of the Asian continent connecting East and West Asia by linking traders, merchants, pilgrims, monks, soldiers, nomads and urban dwellers from China to the Mediterranean Sea during various periods of time.
    

13. What is the best season to visit the Silk Road?

    The months of May and October are the best time to travel the Silk Road. The summer can be searingly hot. The winter is freezing. During May, the average temperature along the Silk Road is around 15 C. The scenery is most beautiful during May. The accumulated winter snow on the tableland is melting. The grass is turning green. Visitors can enjoy this enchanting scenery without suffering extreme temperatures.
    
    

14. Why Giant Panda is referred to a Chinese national treasure?

    The Giant Panda is a mammal classified in the bear family (Ursidae), native to central-western and southwestern China. In recent decades the Giant Panda has also served as an emblem for the country. Its image appears on a large number of modern Chinese commemorative silver, gold, and platinum coins. The species is a favorite of the public, at least in part because many people find that it has a baby-like cuteness. So we had a panda, called Pan Pan as one of our mascots of the 2008 Olympic Games, which implied expecting peace, friendship and good results of the athletes.