185 Viewing Platform

185 Viewing Platform

The 185 Park, also known as the 185 Platform, gets its name from its elevation of 185 meters above sea level, which is the same height as the dam crest. To the left of the 185 Platform is the front face of the river-blocking dam, namely the left-bank powerhouse dam section and the spillway dam section. Behind the dam are the buildings of the left-bank power plant. The closest structure to the platform is the construction site of the single-line, first-stage vertical ship lift. To the right of the 185 Platform, looking upstream, you can see the Three Gorges Reservoir, which has been filled to a water level of 135 meters. After 2009, the normal water storage level of the dam reached 175 meters, which is just 10 meters below the viewing spot.

Climbing up to the dam crest at an altitude of 185 meters and looking down at the flood discharge scene up close, you’ll feel that the thunderous torrents beneath your feet are even more spectacular and immediate than before. Standing on the dam crest, watching the majestic sight of foaming white waves during flood discharge, while the distant river surface remains calm, visitors can experience the harmony of tranquility and dynamic beauty. On a sunny day, amidst the surging floodwaters, you might even spot a beautiful rainbow in the mist. With the gentle river breeze brushing against you, your heart gradually calms down. Watch the rushing river, listen to the waves crashing against the shore, and let feelings of awe, excitement, inspiration, and pride gradually blend into this riverscape. Perhaps only by lingering in the embrace of the dam can you truly feel the astonishing wonder of seeing the world anew.

To the left of the 185 Platform, there is also a ship lock — a single-line lock where the vertical ship lift is installed. The vertical ship lift is currently under construction and will not be operational until 2012. Its principle is similar to taking an elevator in a hotel: the chamber is 120 meters long and 18 meters wide, with 3.5 meters of water inside. Ships enter the chamber, the gate is closed to form a sealed cabin, and then the power equipment at the top of the dam uses steel cables and gears to lift or lower the entire chamber — along with the people, ships, and water inside — vertically by over 100 meters through the lock. This process takes just 3 or 4 minutes, saving a lot of time. Although the lock operation is fast, its load capacity is limited to a maximum of 12,800 tons. After subtracting the weight of the chamber and water, it can only accommodate ships under 3,000 tons. Ships of 3,000 tons and large fleets must pass through the five-stage ship lock instead, while smaller vessels under 3,000 tons can quickly cross the dam via the vertical lift. This is what’s called: big ships take the stairs, small ships take the elevator.