The Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area (三峡大坝旅游区), located within the borders of Yichang City in Hubei Province, China, officially opened to the public in 1997. Spanning a total area of 15.28 square kilometers, this tourist zone is centered around the world’s largest hydraulic engineering project—the Three Gorges Dam. It comprehensively showcases the cultural aspects of the engineering marvel and water conservancy, offering visitors a multifaceted experience that combines sightseeing, education, leisure, and entertainment.
The tourist area is divided into three main sections: Tanziling Park, 185 Park, and the Diversion Memorial Park. Tanziling allows visitors to overlook the grandeur of the dam and enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River. The 185-meter water level observation area provides a breathtaking spectacle of the turbulent waters during flood discharge. The Diversion Memorial Park features captivating performances and activities, serving as the central hub for internal transportation within the scenic area.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area
- Map of Three Gorges Dame Tourist Area
- Vlog about the Three Gorges Dam
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions near Three Gorges Dam
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2- 3 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Shuttle Bus | 35 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 16.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0717-6763498 |
Location and Transportation
The Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area is situated in the middle section of Xiling Gorge, within the boundaries of Yichang City in Hubei Province, China. Specifically located at San Dou Ping, it is approximately 38 kilometers upstream from the Yichang Gezhouba Water Conservancy Hub. To reach the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area:
From downtown Yichang, at the entrance of Daxia Three Gorges International Travel Agency (80 Dongshan Avenue), hop on the tourist shuttle directly to the tourist transfer center within the scenic area. Two shuttles depart daily at 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM. The round trip costs about 40 yuan, taking approximately one hour each way.
Alternatively, from Yichang’s downtown area, head to the Three Gorges Tourist Center (142 Jianghan Avenue). Two daily buses depart for the tourist transfer center within the scenic area at 8:00 AM and between 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The fare is around 45 yuan.
Highlights of Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area
Tanziling: A Panoramic Vista of Grandeur
Tanziling Scenic Area derives its name from the observation platform resembling an inverted jar at its peak, towering at an elevation of 262.48 meters. Positioned as the prime location for a comprehensive view of the Three Gorges Project, ascending the top of Tanziling provides a breathtaking panorama. Visitors are treated to the magnificent spectacle of the Three Gorges Dam, along with the towering dual-line, five-level ship lock, dubbed the “Fourth Gorge of the Yangtze”. Additionally, Tanziling offers a feast for the eyes with the picturesque scenery of Huangniu Cliff in the Xiling Gorge and the distant skyline of the newly developed city in Zigui County.
The park is divided into three tiers, gradually ascending from low to high. It features model exhibition halls, millennium riverbed stones, the symbolic rock of the Yangtze diversion, the cornerstone of the Three Gorges Dam site, the silver-plated celestial book, and finally the Tanziling viewpoint. The entire area is interconnected by spectacular fountains, charming waterfalls, meandering streams, and lush green lawns, enhancing the overall scenic experience.
185 Observation Point: A Proximity to Majesty
Situated on the left side of the Three Gorges Dam’s crest, the 185 Platform is aptly named due to its elevation matching the dam’s height of 185 meters. Standing on this platform provides an up-close view of the dam’s summit and a distant gaze over Maoping in Zigui County. Facing upstream, visitors witness the magnificent scenery of towering cliffs and tranquil waters, while downstream showcases the optimal viewpoint for observing the Three Gorges Ship Lift.
Diversion Memorial Park: Celebrating Engineering Triumphs
Dedicated to the theme of the Three Gorges Project diversion, the Diversion Memorial Park stands as China’s first water conservancy-themed park, seamlessly blending sightseeing, education, and leisure. Nestled downstream from the Three Gorges Dam, this park, spanning approximately 93,000 square meters, officially opened its doors on September 26, 2005. It stands as the premier location for admiring downstream landscapes.
Within the park, visitors encounter exhibitions showcasing the historical significance of the diversion, a collection of large-scale engineering machinery, sculptural representations of key components, and unique Three Gorges stones.
Map of Three Gorges Dame Tourist Area
Vlog about the Three Gorges Dam
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Walking Distance: The distance from the Ship Locks Viewing Platform to the 185 Viewing Platform is only 500 meters if you walk along the left-hand pathway. There’s no need to take the electric buggy, which costs 10 yuan per person. Save your money and enjoy the short stroll.
Ticket Purchase: It’s essential to buy tickets from the Transfer Center. Avoid taking unofficial transportation or listening to individuals who claim they can take you to see the dam. The area is guarded by armed police officers at each intersection, and private vehicles are not allowed inside.
Boat Tours: Boat tours typically depart from the starting point of the Three Gorges Dam and explore two dams and a gorge (Three Gorges Dam – Gezhouba Dam – Xiling Gorge).
Aerial Restrictions: Note that the Three Gorges Dam area falls within a restricted management zone, and drone flights are prohibited for security reasons.
Can it be seen from space
No, it is actually not that grand.
Visiting in winter is too cold. The river is covered with a layer of mist. You can see the fluctuation in water levels and the vastness of the river area. However, it’s really not that enjoyable.
After a day exploring the Two Gorges and One Canyon, I feel it was worth the price. The views were quite impressive!
The Three Gorges Dam has no entrance fee; you only need to pay for a sightseeing bus ticket, which costs 35 yuan. Once you’re in, you have to go all the way through to get out, which can be a bit time-consuming. If you’re just looking to see the dam, it might be better to visit Zigui (秭归) instead.
The ship lift at the Three Gorges Dam will be undergoing maintenance and will be closed starting from August 25, 2024, for a period of 35 days. Friends who plan to experience the Three Gorges Ship Lift during the Mid-Autumn Festival should take this into account and plan their time accordingly.
The seating areas on the boat are extremely limited, and even the paid areas are insufficient to accommodate all the passengers. As a result, everyone ends up sitting everywhere — in the hallways and stairwells, creating a chaotic and disorderly scene. In the end, even after spending money, there aren’t enough places to sit.
From Wujia Gang Wanda to the Three Gorges Dam, it is a 41km drive taking about 1 hour. About 30km away from the dam, there is a document processing office where private cars need to apply for a permit to continue the journey. At this point, staff on the highway will signal to pull over for document processing. Cars that have obtained the permit in advance can proceed without delay, while on-site application may require waiting in line which could… Read more »
If it’s too late, I do not recommend buying tickets (the scenic spot closes at 17:00). You can drive to the Three Gorges Dam viewpoint to appreciate the beautiful sunset. You can then continue to the Xiling Yangtze River Bridge. From the bridge, you can see the dam lights at night, and it’s even better to view the 5-tier ship lock. On the way, there are many suggestions regarding permits and accommodations; you can ignore all of them. To cross… Read more »
Transportation: If you arrive by high-speed train, after reaching Yichang East Station, walk approximately 500 meters to the left to reach Yichang Bus Passenger Transport Center for a direct shuttle to the Three Gorges Dam scenic area. You can also take the 809-2 intercity bus to reach the tourist transfer center at Three Gorges Dam. From there, you can transfer to the B9 bus to Gezhouba and then transfer to the B100 bus to walk to the Night Pearl Bus… Read more »
Transportation Guide: By high-speed train: If you are arriving by high-speed train, after reaching Yichang East Station, you can walk about 500m (turn left after exiting the station) to Yichang Bus Passenger Transport Center to transfer to a direct bus to scenic spots or take the 809-2 intercity bus to reach the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Transfer Center. You can also transfer at Gezhouba Dam by taking the B9 and then the B100, and walk to Yemingzhu Bus Station to… Read more »