three gorges project

with the normal pool level of the reservoir 175 m, the total storage capacity 39.3 billion cubic metres and the total acreage of the reservoir 1084 sq.km. the three gorges project (tgp) is the largest water conservancy project in china, and also in the world, mainly comprising three large parts: dam, hydropower stations and navigation buildings. this spans over 600 km, and whose average width is 1.1 km.

tgp is a key backbone project to father and empolder the yangtze river (changjiangriver). the yangtze river is nearly more than 200 km from fengjie to yichang, which goes through the gorges of qutang, wu and xiling. this is the so-called yangtze three gorges, which are famous for their precipice landscape. lying in sandouping within yichang city, northchina hubei province, the middle part of the xiling gorge, the famous tgp is sited here.

at the first stage, some preparation work was done in 1993. on dec. 14, 1994, the tgp was basically carried out. it mainly deals with filling the cofferdam and excavating the open diversion channel in the 1st stage construction pit, at the same time, on the left bank of the river will be built a temporary ship lock. the river water and shipping still go through the main river way. in 1997, the successful damming of the yangtze river ever attracted lots of tourists home and abroad.

the main tasks of the second stage are to construct the 2nd stage cofferdam on both upstream and downstream, electricity station facilities on the left dam and machine installation. meanwhile the permanent navigation buildings will be finished on the left bank. during the second period, the river water will flow through the open diversion channel and the shipping will go through either the open diversion channel or the temporary ship lock. on nov. 6, 2002, we have got exciting news that the damming of the open diversion channel of the three gorges project was successfully completed. this is quite good news to the world. while enjoying the pleasure, many people worry about this project will bring trouble to the tourism on the yangtze river; the fact is that the worry is unnecessary. because the second damming improve xiangxi sea-route which diversifies the three gorge’ travel routes, and the 600km long waterway from yichang to chongqing will obviously be improved, making it possible for 10,000 tons of fleet to sail directly upstream to chongqing. the tourism will take on a new look after the second stage, yichang city still held yangtze river three gorges international tourism festival. the festival aims to highlight yichang's brilliant ancient cultures and archeological legacies, as well as its advanced water conservancy achievements to the visitors.

after the successful fulfillment of the second stage, the third stage becomes a focus at present. in this period, the dam on the right bank and the electricity station will be constructed, and continuously finish the whole machine installation. the river will pass through the permanent bottom way out and the temporary diversion outlets in the spillway dam, the shipping will go permanently through the ship lock. at that time, three gorges reservoir will be 600 km long and 2000m at the widest point; its acreage is 10,000 sq.km. it will be a calm gorger-like reservoir.

of course, although we have great achievement in the second stage, still some problems need to be solved. first, we must finish earth-and rock-fill cofferdam and 20,000 stere impervious walls within about one month. then, within three and a half month, at most four months, we must construct three stages of compressing concrete cofferdam, 140m high. this is a hard task, if done well, the third stage of the tgp will benefit much more.

benefits:

how much benefits of the tgp will bring to the people? it is a very popular topic nowadays. according to the china's network, we can get the information that there will be mainly 4 advantages:

flood control: after the implementation of the tgp, its normal pool level can produce the flood control capacity of 22.15 billion m3, which can control the biggest flood in 100 years;

with the help of the flood diversion structure, it can protect the both banks of the yangtze river from suffering the destructive disaster in 1000 years. the fact will be the evidence that the tgp is "the patron saint" to ensure 23, 000, 0000 mu farmland and 15 million people's safety of lives and properties in the down river area of the changjiang.

power generation: with the dam built on the three gorges, the river water will generate electricity for the water and electricity stations of the three gorges, the profits are very considerable. designed annual generate electricity is 84.6 billion kw.h. it's number one in the world. it plays an important role in the development of the economy and reduction of the environmental pollution.

navigation: the 600km long waterway from yichang to chongqing will obviously be improved, making it possible for 10,000 tons of fleet to sail directly upstream to chongqing.

the river boating is improved from 10 million to 50 million tons per year; the transportation cost decreases 35-37 percent. after the adjustment to the reservoir, navigation conditions upstream and downstream the yangtze river has been greatly improved in low water seasons.

tourism: the tgp promotes the development of the three gorges tourism. as the largest water conservancy in the world, the tgp puts the world-famous natural beauty and sup-large water conservancy man-made sights into together, which makes the three gorges become "the hottest" in tourism and press since recent years.

conclusion: the tgp changes quickly with each passing day. in order to develop the tourism, china three gorges project corporation built the tanziling for the travelers to visit the panorama of three gorges at the highest point of the building site. in the area of dam, exhibition house and environmental garden are located, including the natural scenic spot maogongshan and the old architecture huanglingtemple. all of these show that three gorges has the beauty of science and culture, also making tgp highlight in china's water conservancy.