Gezhouba Dam

Gezhouba Dam

Gezhouba Dam is situated about 3 kilometers downstream from Nanjin Pass at the exit of the Three Gorges in Yichang City. The northern end of the dam reaches Jing Mountain in Jiangbei Town, while the southern end connects to Shizibao on the south bank. Majestic and imposing, the dam boasts an extraordinary presence. After the Yangtze River flows out of the Three Gorges canyon, its current turns sharply from east to south, and the river suddenly widens. Due to sediment deposition, two islands—Gezhouba and Xiba—formed in the river, dividing the Yangtze into the Main Stream (Dajiang), the Second Stream (Erjiang), and the Third Stream (Sanjiang). The Main Stream is the primary channel of the Yangtze, while the Second and Third Streams dry up during the low-water season. The Gezhouba Water Control Project spans the Main Stream, Gezhouba Island, the Second Stream, Xiba Island, and the Third Stream.

The Gezhouba Water Control Project mainly consists of three ship locks, two powerhouses, 27 flood discharge sluices, six sand-flushing sluices on the Third Stream, nine sand-flushing sluices on the Main Stream, non-overflow dams on both banks, and silt-prevention dikes, among other structures. The dam is 2,606 meters long, with a crest elevation of 70 meters. The designed water storage level is 66 meters, and the total reservoir capacity is 1.58 billion cubic meters, with an average annual power generation of 15.7 billion kWh. The project is massive in scale, with challenging construction, and it created a miracle in the history of China's water conservancy and hydropower engineering. It is also one of the world’s large-scale hydroelectric power stations today.

The construction of the Gezhouba Water Control Project raised the water level, submerging 21 rapid shoals and 9 dangerous rapids in the Three Gorges. As a result, nine single-lane navigation channels and nine towing stations were eliminated, greatly improving navigability. This enabled vessels of all kinds below Badong to navigate unimpeded, increasing the passenger and cargo transport capacity of the Yangtze River. Standing at the mouth of the Xiling Gorge and looking toward this world-class water control project, the Gezhouba Dam resembles a dazzling pearl inlaid at the scenic mouth of the Three Gorges. The natural landscape and man-made wonder complement each other, adding a rich and splendid touch to the beautiful Three Gorges.

Special Tips

You can view the spectacular No. 3 Ship Lock within Gezhouba Park; the Gezhouba Ship Lock Scenic Area also offers views of the dam, but climbing onto the dam itself is no longer permitted. (No admission fee is required for the Gezhouba Ship Lock Scenic Area—you can directly enjoy the views of the upstream and downstream areas of the dam.)

Address: Xiling District, Yichang City

Type: Hydraulic Engineering

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0717-6713368

Opening Hours:

5:00-21:30

Ticket Information:

Free admission.