Natural Creation—The Breath and Pulse of the Gorge
The natural landscape of the Three Gorges Dam is an eternal symphony of river water,canyons,and light and shadow.
The Flowing Water:A Poetic Landscape of a Calm Lake Emerging from the Gorge
The Three Gorges Calm Lake:After the dam was built,a giant reservoir stretching over 600 kilometers was formed upstream,giving a real-life embodiment to the poetic phrase"a calm lake emerging from the gorge."Surrounded by mountains and shimmering blue waters,the vast lake and distant peaks create a magnificent landscape painting when viewed from the 185 platform.
The Flood Discharge Spectacle(Summer Only):The flood discharge period from June to September each year is the most visually stunning time at the Three Gorges Dam.Water gushing from the dam's deep discharge holes surges like a stampede of horses,creating a mist that rises dozens of meters high,accompanied by a deafening roar.When sunlight shines through the mist,rainbows span the river,a magnificent sight resembling"the Milky Way falling from the heavens."
The Xiling Gorge:At the foot of the dam lies the Xiling Gorge,the most beautiful and magnificent section of the Yangtze River's Three Gorges.Green mountains stand facing each other on both sides of the gorge,and the river water is as green as jade.A cruise through the Three Gorges offers breathtaking views of its stunning scenery and evokes the poetic imagery of"giants'cries echoing across the banks."
Rugged Rocks:Silent Geological History
Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Riverbed Stone:In the Tanziling Park,a massive rock weighing tens of tons is on display.Excavated from deep within the Yangtze River at the Three Gorges Dam site,it has endured the erosion of the river for millennia,its mottled texture recording the vicissitudes of the Yangtze.Visitors can touch this"living fossil"and feel the sedimentation of time within the rock layers.
Drainage Stone Sculpture Group:The park displays giant drainage stones used during the dam's construction,witnessing the awe-inspiring feat of 1997.Behind each stone lies the heroic story of thousands of builders battling the turbulent currents of the Yangtze.
Green Retreat:Guardians of the Yangtze's Ecology
The Three Gorges Project is not only a water conservancy project but also a guardian of the Yangtze's ecology.After its completion,the dam,through scientific reservoir management,replenished the downstream area with over 360 billion cubic meters of water during the dry season,ensuring the ecological security of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.The scenic area is lush with vegetation,fragrant flowers,and birdsong.The dam,nestled among green trees in the dam closure memorial park,presents a harmonious scene of humanity and nature,showcasing the beautiful vision of ecological civilization.It's an excellent location for ecological photography enthusiasts and a natural classroom for families to learn about Yangtze River ecological protection.
The natural landscape of the Three Gorges Dam is far more than just"seeing";it's about"hearing"and"feeling."The deafening roar during flood discharge,the tranquil ripples on the lake,and the birdsong and fragrant flowers in the canyon all contribute to the"breathing"of this engineering marvel.
Humanistic Ingenuity—Civilization Suspended Above the Yangtze River
The architecture here is not cold reinforced concrete,but an art of coexistence between humanity and the river.
Tanziling Viewing Platform:A"God's-eye View"of the Three Gorges Dam Ascend the five-step escalator to an altitude of 262.48 meters,and a magnificent panorama unfolds beneath your feet—the majestic dam stretches across the river like a dragon,while the double-line,five-stage ship locks resemble giant water steps.Chairman Mao's heroic lines,"Cutting off the clouds and rain of Wushan,a placid lake emerges from the high gorges,"become almost tangible.
185 Viewing Platform:A parallel perspective"shoulder to shoulder"with the dam.The platform is at the same height as the dam's crest;standing here,the dam seems almost within reach.The river below contrasts sharply with the placid lake behind the dam—on one side,a vast,mirror-like lake;on the other,the surging river.
Damage Reduction Memorial Park:An upward-looking perspective of the dam from downstream.This is the only place to admire the dam's majestic form up close.Retired 77-ton dump trucks,giant loaders,and other engineering equipment stand silently in the park,seemingly still telling the story of the builders'arduous journey.Experiences such as relief sculptures,historical exhibition halls,and"Time Post Office"handwritten postcards make history feel real,not just a distant symbol.
Photography Tips:
The best panoramic view is from Tanziling,encompassing the dam itself,the five-stage ship lock,and the distant lake scenery.
The 185 platform is ideal for photographing the lake's reflection and the dam's front;during flood discharge,you can capture the spectacular rainbow.
For the Dam Closure Memorial Park,a low-angle,upward shot is recommended,framing the dam and blue sky together for a truly industrial feel.
Drones must be registered with the scenic area in advance,and their flight altitude must not exceed the dam's crest.
