Overview:

The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River in central China are an impressive system of three large gorges created by the river's powerful currents over several millions of years. Located in Hubei Province, the three gorges stretch along a 200 km (125 mi) section of the river that stretches from the estuary of the Yantze River near Shanghai to just upstream of the city of Yichang. The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. The Three Gorges region is composed of two adjacent gorges - the Wu (more than 8km or 5 mi long), and the Qutang (9km or 5.6 mi long). Further upstream is the third and longest of the three gorges, the Xiling (45km or 27 mi long). All three have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997. The Three Gorges are known for their steep sides, which rise up to 600 meters (2,000 ft) in height. These cliffs are composed of hard red sandstone that stands in contrast to the lush greenness of the surrounding landscape. The river twists and turns between the gorges, creating a picturesque and dramatic environment. The ancient cliffs also provide spectacular views of the valley and the river below. The Three Gorges are also renowned for their cultural richness, including some of the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist cave temples in China. Dazu Rock Carvings are some of the most significant carvings and sculptures in Chinese art history, representing over 1,000 years of the Indian Mahayana Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian religions. The Three Gorges are also home to a number of ancient villages where many traditions survive to this day. The Three Gorges, thanks to the huge project to dam the Yangtze River (known as the "Three Gorges Dam"), remain one of China's most sought-after sightseeing destinations. Millions of people visit the region each year to explore the awe-inspiring three gorges, appreciate the unique culture and get a glimpse of some of China's oldest and most meaningful Buddhist cave temples. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. The width of the Three Gorges is very impressive – it spans 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) at its widest point. 2. The Three Gorges area is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, lush landscape, and rich Chinese culture and history. 3. The Three Gorges Dam, completed in 2006, is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world and the largest single structure ever built by humankind. 4. The length of the Three Gorges is also impressive – it stretches 682 kilometers (424 miles) from the western Sichuan province to the eastern section of the Chongqing municipality. 5. Along the Three Gorges, visitors can explore some of the most iconic cultural sites, such as the spectacular Ghost City of Fengdu. 6. The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world. 7. The Three Gorges are also home to some of China’s most impressive wild species, such as the Giant Panda. 8. Along the Three Gorges, there are many opportunities for tourists to take part in various activities, such as boat tours, river cruises, and sightseeing trips. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Three Gorges on Yangtze River have been an important strategic and economic hub of China for centuries. The area around the Three Gorges was renowned for its rich resources, consisting of ample waterways, farmland, forests, minerals, and wildlife, and was utilized for defensive and trade purposes as far back as more than 2,200 years ago. The Three Gorges became even more important during the mid-1700s when the upper Yangtze River area became part of the Chinese Empire's defensive front. During the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95, the strategic value of the Three Gorges was made apparent when Japanese warships proceeded to sail up the Yangtze River and siege the area. From the late 1890s onward, Chinese engineers began to analyze the feasibility of a dam at the Three Gorges. The idea of the dam was formally presented by Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China, in 1912. In 1992, the Chinese government officially announced the project and the Three Gorges Dam project was officially commenced in 1994. It was the world’s largest hydro-electric project, generating 85.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year after its completion in 2012. The Three Gorges project also has resulted in a number of other changes to the Yangtze River, namely that the water level in the area has been raised to 175 to 215 meters and the speed of the river's flow has been significantly reduced. The reserves created by the dam also provide flood control, sedimentary regulation, and drought protection. The Three Gorges project has become an example of China's economic growth and ability to realize large-scale projects. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Three Gorges region is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Yangtze finless porpoise, Chinese sturgeon, Chinese alligator, crested ibis, and over 5,000 species of animals and plants. 2. The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world, with a capacity of 22.5 gigawatts. 3. In the Three Gorges region, over 3,000 archaeological sites have been discovered, dating back 4,000 years to the ancient Shu and Ba peoples. 4. The Three Gorges are home to seven of China’s Buddhist temples, as well as a number of historic temples, shrines, and ancient sites. 5. The Three Gorges region is home to several species of giant salamanders, which are among the largest amphibians in the world. 6. The Three Gorges are formed by the Yangtze River, the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. 7. The region is known for its spectacular scenery, which has been a draw for Chinese painters and poets for centuries. 8. The Three Gorges Dam has been controversial since its construction, due to its environmental impact and displacement of over 1.3 million residents. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era