The Three Gorges Dam, spanning the Yangtze River at Sandouping near Yichang, is the world's largest hydroelectric power station by installed capacity. The scenic area is split across several viewing points reached by an internal shuttle bus included in the admission price: the Tanziling viewing platform for panoramic views of the dam wall and spillway, the Jieyin platform overlooking the five-stage ship lock, and exhibition halls explaining the dam's construction and resettlement history. A full visit covering the main viewpoints and exhibition hall takes about half a day, since the site is large and the shuttle bus schedule spaces out stops. The most dramatic time to visit is June through September, when seasonal flood-discharge releases send massive volumes of water through the spillway gates. Weekday mornings are quieter, as domestic tour groups tend to arrive in large numbers around midday.
| Admission | Adult $18.20 (130 CNY, includes shuttle bus) · Child Half price for children 1.2–1.5m |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (last entry) |
| Typical visit | Half day |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; June–September for spillway flood-discharge releases |
| Getting there | Shuttle bus from Yichang East Railway Station (~1 hour) or Yichang Sanxia Airport |
| Address | Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area, Sandouping Town, Yichang |
Weather through the year in China
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for China.
Location
Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area, Sandouping Town, Yichang
30.8237, 111.0035 View on map
Highlights
- Tanziling platform with panoramic views of the dam wall and spillway
- The five-stage ship lock system viewed from Jieyin platform
- Exhibition halls covering the dam's construction and engineering scale
- Seasonal flood-discharge releases through the spillway, June to September
Tips for visiting
- Admission includes the internal shuttle bus -- do not attempt to walk between viewing platforms
- Bring your passport, as security screening is required to enter the scenic area
- Visit June through September to see spillway flood-discharge releases if timing allows
- Arrive early on weekday mornings to avoid the largest domestic tour groups
When to visit
Weekday mornings for smaller crowds; June to September if visiting specifically for spillway flood-discharge releases.
Accessibility
The shuttle buses and main viewing platforms are wheelchair accessible, though some pathways between shuttle stops involve stairs and slopes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Three Gorges Dam take?
Covering the main viewing platforms and exhibition hall by shuttle bus takes about half a day.
Is the dam worth visiting with children?
Yes -- the scale of the structure and the ship lock system tend to impress visitors of all ages, though the site involves a lot of walking between shuttle stops.
Is photography allowed at the viewing platforms?
Yes, photography is permitted at all designated viewing platforms, though some restricted engineering areas prohibit it.