Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area
Hours of Operation: 08:00–17:00
Tickets: Entry fee is free, transfer cost of 35 yuan (foreign tourists can purchase tickets with their passport at the Three Gorges Dam Visitor Center)
Address: Jiangxia Avenue, Three Gorges Dam Area, Yichang City, Hubei Province, China
Photo by Song Jinge
Overview of the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area
The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydropower project in the world. Construction began on December 14, 1994 and was completed on May 20, 2006. Sandouping Terrace, the main site of the dam, is in the middle section of Xiling Gorge.
The best viewing spot is on the south bank of the Yangtze River downstream from the dam. At an altitude of 690 meters, visitors have an excellent view of the dam, Xiling Gorge and the vast manmade lake.
Photo by Zheng Kun
There are four main attractions within the dam’s tourist area.
The first is Tanziling, named after its top viewing platform, which is shaped like an upside-down wine jar. Just over 260 meters above sea level, it is the best spot for panoramic views of the Three Gorges Project.
Platform 185 gets its name from the fact that its elevation is equal to the height of the top of the Three Gorges Dam. It is the best viewing point for the Three Gorges Ship Lifter.
Cut-off Memorial Park, located downstream from the Three Gorges Dam, is the first water engineering theme park in China. It has been open since 2005, and is a great place to take in the downstream landscape of the Three Gorges Dam.
The final attraction is the Three Gorges Project Museum, the world’s largest hydroelectric engineering museum, located opposite Cut-off Memorial Park. Since opening to visitors in August 2022, it has become a popular spot for Three Gorges Dam visitors.
Photo by Wang Meng
For dining, you can’t miss Yichang Yangtze River Fatty Fish! It is easily discernible by its amber back, white abdomen and gray fins. It has been regarded as a great delicacy due to its thick and tender meat as well as its mellow taste. When the Fatty Fish is made into a soup, it becomes sweet, succulent, and white as pulp made from jade.
Location and Transportation to the Three Gorges Dam Area Tourist Area
From Yichang Sanxia Airport
If you arrive at Yichang Sanxia Airport, you can take the airport bus to Yichang East Railway Station. Then, walk for 10 minutes to the Yichang Passenger Transport Center Station and take Bus No.809 to the Three Gorges Dam Area. Get off at the Xiling Yangtze River Bridge, walk for 10 minutes to the Tourist Transfer Center, and take the park tourist bus.
From Yichang East Railway Station
If you arrive at Yichang East Railway Station, you can walk for 10 minutes to Yichang Passenger Transport Center Station to take Bus No.809 to the Three Gorges Dam Area. Get off at the Xiling Yangtze River Bridge, walk for 10 minutes to the Tourist Transfer Center, and take the park tourist bus.
Driving there:
1. From Yichang City -> Three Gorges Special Highway -> Yemingzhu Triangle Reception Station or Fengjiawan Armed Police Checkpoint (get a pass to enter the Dam area) –> Three Gorges Dam Tourist Transfer Center. To continue your visit, transfer to the park tourist bus.
2. From the north part of Yichang City-> Jiangbei Over-the-Dam Expressway -> Zhujiawan Armed Police Checkpoint (get a pass to enter the Dam area) -> Three Gorges Dam Tourist Transfer Center. To continue your visit, transfer to the park tourist bus.
3. From Zigui County -> Three Gorges Over-the-Dam Expressway -> Daishi Armed Police Checkpoint (get a pass to enter the Dam area) -> Three Gorges Dam Tourist Transfer Center. To continue your visit, transfer to the park tourist bus.
Photo by Huang Chunjiang
Additional Information
If you drive into the Three Gorges Dam Area, you need to apply for a vehicle pass. A driver's license is required to apply for the pass.
If you require any additional services or have any suggestions for the services of the scenic area, please call 0717-6763498 (service) or 19171381190 (ticket).
Photo by Song Jinge
