China's Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam upon completion, will be the largest hydroelectric complex in the world. It is located in China's rural heartland on the third largest river in the world, the Yangtze. The Three Gorges Dam towers 182 meters (600ft) high and stretches over 2.4 kilometers (1.5miles). The reservoir created by the dam will extend nearly 400 miles upstream. The project consists of a river dam, spillway structures, powerhouse, and buildings for navigation.

The dam's construction will take 17 years and has been divided into three phases. The first phase dealt with preparations for construction of the dam. The diversion channel was built so that the river could be blocked. The second phase mainly focused on construction of the spillway, left bank power houses, and ship's locks. The first batch of generators started producing power during this phase. The third phase involves construction of the right bank's powerhouse, which will be the completion of the entire project.

The Three Gorges hydroelectric power plant contains 26 turbine generator units. Currently the generated electricity is being sent to Central and East China, Guangdong, and Chongqing. It is predicted that over one-ninth of China's electrical power will be created at the Three Gorges Dam.

The idea for the dam was first proposed by Dr. Sun Yetsen in 1918, and has been under consideration ever since. The Three Gorges Dam is a marvel of engineering, and the greatest challenge its designers have ever faced. The dam has been designed to store over 5 trillion gallons of water and to withstand an earthquake of 7.0 on the Richter scale. Ocean-going vessels of over 10,000 tons will now be able to enter the nation's interior, which will redefine how products and technology move around China.

The three gorges dam not only creates electricity, but will also control the annual floods that have devastated vast portions of China for millennia. Each year 15 million people and 1.5 million hectares of farmland will be protected from flood threats, thanks to the Three Gorges Dam.

The Three Gorges Dam project will not only fulfill its utilitarian needs, but will also serve as a symbol of pride for the Chinese people.

Recommended China tours including a visit of Three Gorges Dam:
* 13 days & 12 nights Historic and Modern China Tour with Yangtze Cruise 
   Recommended ship: Regal China Cruises

* 20 days & 19 nights China Sampler Tour with Tibet Extension  
   Recommended ship: Regal China Cruises

* 13 days & 12 nights China Experience Tour – Taste of China 
   Recommended ship: Amercian Victoria Cruises

* 9 days & 8 nights China Cosmopolitan Tour with Yangtze Cruise 
   Recommended ship: Yangtze (President 4)