Yangtze Three Gorges Dam
Post on Aug,26,2013
Who would have ever guessed a trip to the Three Gorges Dam would actually be exciting and fun? In all honesty I never would have thought that. I changed my mind and decided to check it out for myself though after hearing so many locals talk about it. I was also doing some research prior to my trip and the Three Gorges Dam kept popping up so I figured I should keep an open mind and pay it a visit. I am so glad I did!
History
There is actually some history behind the Three Gorges Dam. The idea came about in 1919 because building a dam downstream of the Three Gorges could produce a huge amount of power. However work did not actually begin on the dam until 1932. In 1954 there was a massive flood that killed over 33,000 people so there was even more pressure to build the Three Gorges Dam. Even after that tragedy it took until 1994 to actually get the project underway. It was supposed to be finished by 2009; however, it is still under construction to this day. On the positive side the dam has been working at full capacity since 2006 and is set to be complete by 2014.
The Three Gorges Dam is in great shape and is considered to be one of the top 10 sites to see. It was no wonder to me why this attraction went hand in hand with the Yangtze River tour. Most visitors are curious to see exactly how the dam works so they will opt for tours where they can go in and see the mechanics of how it works. I took an elevator to the top of the dam for a full view and it was amazing! To see the Yangtze River and Three Gorges from that view is indescribable. I would venture to guess that it is the best view in the house. Keep in mind though I do not have any other views to compare it to. Other great views that you can see the Three Gorges Dam from include the Yangtze River Cruise as well as a bus tour that takes you to the observation deck. From the observation deck you will be able to see the construction process. It is pretty cool to see how things are done.
Advantages and Disadvantages
While on the tour I did learn a thing or two about how locals feel about the Three Gorges Dam project as far as the good and bad points. One benefit of the dam is that it is the largest power supply in the world. It also is reduced green house gases from China. Another great point about the dam is that it has increased shipping down the Yangtze River. Once the ship lift is finished in 2014 it will be able to lift close to 11,500 tons. Essentially this is great news for transportation vessels because it will cut the time down to 30-40 minutes instead of the current 3-4 hours. We all know time is money! During the construction of the project there has been a great deal of historical relics found that are not preserved. Think about it; these items may have never been found had it not been for the Three Gorges Dam project!
The construction of this dam has also seen its downside. Even though flooding has been cut down drastically a new problem has arisen and that is landslides. Also, the reservoir of the dam has forced nearly millions of people to move. Although some of those cities were in deplorable conditions and extremely overpopulated, it is still not easy to have to move. People had to basically start their lives over again in some cases. Considering how long it has taken the dam to be completed that in itself is a disadvantage. If the dam were finished there could be more tours, more shipping, and just more overall economic development. The dam is running at full capacity though which is a good thing.
Impact
From everything I have heard and read it seems the overall impact of the dam has been a positive one. Shipping travel times will soon be reduced drastically. Money is being made from tours. The Three Gorges Dam is the largest construction project to be undertaken in the world to date. That is no small feat! The dam has also reduced floods in record numbers. The Three Gorges Dam generates a huge amount of electricity and has reduced green house gases from China. All in all I have to say that building the Three Gorges Dam was a great move for China. Once the last of the third stages is complete in 2014 we will get to see the full effect it will have on the world.
