Three Gorges

Three Gorges

The Yangtze in the Three Gorges region.
Simplified Chinese 三峡
Traditional Chinese 三峽
The Qutang Gorge in 1999, prior to the creation of the Three Gorges Dam reservoir
The Qutang Gorge in 2009, with its lower reaches flooded by the reservoir
Wu Gorge on Yangtze
Cruise boats along Xiling Gorge

The Three Gorges (Chinese: 三峡; pinyin:  Sānxiá) are three adjacent gorges along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in the People's Republic of China. The Three Gorges have long been renowned for their spectacular scenery, and the "Three Gorges Scenic Area" is classified as a AAAAA scenic area (the highest level) by the China National Tourism Administration.[1]

Overview

The Three Gorges span from the western—upriver cities of Fengjie and Yichang in Chongqing Municipality eastward—downstream to Hubei province The Three Gorges region attracts global attention due to the Three Gorges Dam, which is firmly changing the culture and environment of the river and Three Gorges region.

The Yangtze River (Chang Jiang)—Three Gorges region has a total length of approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi). The Three Gorges occupy approximately 120 kilometres (75 mi) within this region. Although it is primarily famous for its scenery, the Three Gorges region is also a historically and culturally important location in China. Many settlements and archeological sites are under submersion from the rising Three Gorges Dam.

The Three Gorges

Gorge Chinese Length (km) Range
Qutang Gorge 瞿塘峡 8 from Baidicheng (Fengjie) to Daxi
Wu Gorge 巫峡 45 from Wushan to Guandukou (Badong)
Xiling Gorge 西陵峡 66 from Zigui to Nanjin Pass (Yichang)

Three Gorges Dam

Main article: Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Dam was constructed at a place called Sāndòupíng in the middle of the Xiling Gorge. The reservoir dam was completed in the summer of 2006, and the water level quickly reached the maximum level of 110m above the downstream river. The project was completed by the end of 2008, although a ship lift is still in course of construction, and expected to be completed in 2015.

The dam and Three Gorges Reservoir has had a massive impact upon the region's ecology and people, involving the mass relocation of towns and villages. The higher water level has changed the scenery of the Three Gorges, so that the river is wider and the mountains appear lower. However, the mountains still tower above the river, and the gorges continue to offer spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs.

The riverboat companies that operate in the Three Gorges are experiencing a boom in demand for river cruises. The increased width and depth of the river permits larger ships through the gorges, and there has been a significant increase of river traffic of all kinds, including bulk cargo and container barges.

Travel poster for the Three Gorges Region (circa 1930).

See also

References

  1. ↑ "AAAAA Scenic Areas". China National Tourism Administration. 16 November 2008. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
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Coordinates: 31°2′34.0″N 109°33′41.0″E / 31.042778°N 109.561389°E / 31.042778; 109.561389

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