Three Gorges Dam

In Chongquing, we visited a display which presented information on the Three Gorges Dam. This was to help prepare us for our cruise on the Yangtze River. There were some very nice pictures and a mural but we weren't allowed to take pictures of them. The structure on the far right of the model is the elevator which will move ships from one side of the dam to the other in less than an hour. The five locks will take over three hours. We were told by our guides that there is no charge for this service.(only in a communist society) The dam will provide 5% of China's elecrical power when finished by November 2008.


This display was very informative. You can see the locks and the difference in elevations. Note the wonderful park areas here. One thing I noticed in China was that there were a great number of planted trees everywhere. The designs here are very reminiscent of the gardens at Chenonceaux or Versailles.

The view of the locks from the front of our cruise ship.

We were able to walk around the area of the dam. Note the cutouts on the bricks on the left. This is a little waterfall design. Of course, in November, when the water level will rise to its uppermost, this area will be all under water. The water level will rise to two or three meters from the top of the dam.



The water bubbles out of the top and then flows down to the base of the observation tower.


The water level will rise to cover these flower beds.


This work crew is taking apart the original area at the dam site.


The locks at the dam. Again, note the grass and the designs.

Look closely and you can see a ship on its way up to the next lock.

There was a very nice, quiet park near the Dam Display. It was nice to walk here and be away from all the crowds.