Every visitor to Yichang will definitely visit Three Gorges Dam. The visit is quite fixed, usually taking half a day to cover the ship lift and the dam's tourist area. You'll find that since most people follow the same route, it can get crowded, especially during peak season.
So, choosing the proper deck at the ship lift, or planning your pace of staying at each scenic spot during the dam tour, is the key to make your visit and photo smoother.
Practical Tips to Ride the Ship Lift
The ship lift takes about 2h to experience, but you should arrive at the dock 30 minutes early.
| Up or Down | Time | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down | 08:00-10:00 | Taipingxi | Sandouping |
| Up | 11:00-13:00 | Sandouping | Taipingxi |
| Down | 14:00-16:00 | Taipingxi | Sandouping |
| Up | 17:00-19:00 | Sandouping | Maoping |
You may question: what's the difference between going up and going down? Actually, the visual experience is similar, but your viewing position is different.
- If it is descending, it is recommended to go to the stern to watch the ship lock close.
- If it is ascending, go to the bow to watch the ship lock open.
Deck selection (best views)
3rd floor > 4th floor > 2nd floor > 1st floor. 4th and some areas of the 3rd floors require payment, while others are free.
How to avoid the crowds
The 8:00 and 11:00 trips are the most crowded. And if you're coming by cruise, most visitors concentrate on the 8:00 trip. On the free decks, you'll have to squeeze in with the crowd.
You can pay extra for a private cabin on the 3rd floor or the VIP deck on the 4th floor. This gives you more space for viewing and taking photos.
If you're taking the ship lift at night, visibility is not an issue. The dam is beautifully lit with warm yellow lights, so you can still clearly see the structure and details of the lock operation.
Plan Your Time at Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area
- Opening hours: 8:00-17:00
The dam tour follows a one-way route, so you can't skip any stops: Tourist Center → Tanziling → 185 Observation Deck → Three Gorges Memorial Park → Three Gorges Project Museum
You can focus on the last two spots to catch the most dramatic dam views and learn about the engineering and history behind the dam.
1. Tanziling: 360°Panoramic View of the Dam (20min)
This is the highest point. You can enjoy a full view of the dam, the five-stage ship lock in operation, the Yangtze River, and Xiling Gorge all together.
There are four scenic elevators taking you straight to the top, saving your energy.
It's the first stop, so it's usually crowded. You just need to stay briefly, then head to the next stop while most people are still here. However, during summer or holidays, the shuttle bus line can be long. You can also walk 7-8 minutes to the next stop instead.
For a full experience of the Three Gorges, you can join our 5-Day Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise Tour.
2. 185 Observation Deck: Side-Level View of the Dam (20min)
It's at 185 meters high, the same height as the dam. So, you can see the back of the dam, the high-water side of the Yangtze. Looking further, you'll also catch sight of Zigui Town across the river. It's new, as the old town was submerged.
Also, you have a quick look here, then take the shuttle bus to the opposite bank to visit the next stop.
3. Three Gorges Memorial Park: Frontal View of the Dam (1h)
The dam stretches across the horizon, perfectly aligned before you. It's the best view to take a close look at the dam's flood discharge.
Here, partition walls and diversion stones from the original construction also rise around you. Alongside are massive machines like loaders, dump barges, and flat-throw ships, and some with tires taller than you. You can't help but marvel at the challenges of building the dam.
Another best part is that you'll find a wide, shady green park, cooler than other outdoor spots. When you feel tired, just sit on the bench and have a short rest.
You can skip spending 35 CNY to go to the Engineering Experience Hall. It's mostly just a 7-minute film with little else to see.
Instead, head further into the memorial park. You'll find fewer crowds and can follow the paths where stones were transported, imagining the massive effort it took to move them.
While English guidance at the Three Gorges Dam site is limited, we can arrange an English-speaking guide for you to help plan your route and share the stories behind its construction along the way.
4. Three Gorges Project Museum (1h)
The final stop gives you a full picture of the dam's construction history and engineering principles. You'll realize that the dam's grandeur comes not just from its height and length, but from the countless hours of design and effort behind it.
Spend extra time on the engineering exhibits on the first floor.
Here, you can listen to your guide explain the dam's design and construction process, the relocation and preservation of artifacts, the technology and machinery used, ecological protection measures, and how the dam is managed today and in the future.
Get to Three Gorges Dam by Cruise or Driving
If you're arriving on a Yangtze River cruise, there's no need to worry about transportation, as the dam visit is usually included in your itinerary.
If you're starting from Yichang city, taking a cruise or bus is easier than a taxi.
Two-Dam-One-Gorge Cruise (4 hours)
It's a great option if you haven't experienced a Yangtze River cruise before. It's a sightseeing boat, so you'll also enjoy Xiling Gorge and Gezhou Dam before arriving Three Gorge Dam.
You depart from the Three Gorges Tourist Center in downtown Yichang, then arrives at Sabdouping Dock. The shuttle bus will take you to Three Gorges Dam Tourist Center.
Take the Shuttle Bus (1h)
- From Yiling Square, take Bus 216 (departures on the hour, like 9,10, or 11am)
- From Yichang East Railway Station, take the tourist shuttle (only at 8:30 and 13:30)
- From Yichang Bus Station, take Bus 809 (leaves when full)
All routes lead to the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Center, but bus schedules are relatively fixed and less flexible.
For a more comfortable experience, we can arrange a private car to transfer you to and from.
Summer: The Best Time for Spectacular Flood Discharge
June to September is the Yangtze River's flood season. During this period, the dam release water depending on river conditions. So you'll have a higher chance to witness the flood discharge.
After heavy rain, the surrounding mountains often turn misty, and you may even see clouds floating around the dam area, adding a cinematic atmosphere.
However, summer can be very hot, often around 30-40℃ (86-104℉), and the dam area is mostly open with little shade. Even on the ship lift, you'll often be exposed to strong sunlight on the deck. It is also peak travel season, so crowds can be heavy.
Visiting tips in summer:
- Visit in the morning when it's not the hottest time
- Choose early June or late September for fewer crowds
- Bring sunscreen, an umbrella, and sunglasses for strong sun protection
If you're looking for a hassle-free journey along the Yangtze River and beyond, our 10-day Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai Tour is already carefully arranged for you. Book early for a good price.
Spring, Autumn, and Winter: Clearer Water and Fewer Crowds
If flood discharge is not your priority, other seasons offer a more relaxed experience with fewer visitors and different scenery. The Yangtze River is usually clearer, showing shades of green or blue, which is great for photography.
- Spring: Comfortable weather with blooming flowers, though May can be rainy
- Autumn: Cool and pleasant, with golden trees and seasonal landscapes
- Winter: You often catch mist over Yangtze River, also a beautiful scene. December is better, while January and February can be cold and windy (around 8–16℃/46-61℉)
Is the Three Gorges Dam Good or Bad?
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam brings both benefits and challenges, but overall, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
Flood control, navigation improvement, and clean Energy
Flood control is the biggest advantage. Three Gorges Dam protects downstream cities from annual flooding and safeguards around 23 million mu of farmland.
The rising water level, from around 100 meters to 175 meters, has significantly improved navigation. Large ships of tens of thousands of tons can now sail directly to Chongqing, helping accelerate the development of Southwest China.
Annual power generation exceeds 100 billion kWh, enough to supply electricity for hundreds of millions of people in China.
Migration and Ecological Impact
Over 13 towns and 140+ villages were submerged, and more than one million people were relocated. Although large-scale efforts were made to relocate cultural relics, some historical sites were still lost in the process.
You can learn more about this history at the nearby Three Gorges Migration Museum. The 4D screen will show you the submerged "underwater hometowns" beneath the Yangtze River.
The project also had some ecological impact, such as disrupting fish migration. To help restore the ecosystem, a 10-year fishing ban has been implemented along the Yangtze River, from 2020 to 2030.
Explore Three Gorges Dam with Us
If you'd like a more seamless journey, we can arrange customized itineraries that include the Three Gorges Dam or a Yangtze River Cruise as part of your trip.
Every stop, you'll have a private guide and car with you, and the itinerary can be modified based on your needs. Just contact us.