What Happened to Three Gorges Dam?
The Three Gorges Dam, located on China's Yangtze River, is the world's largest hydroelectric power station by installed capacity, serving critical functions in flood control, power generation, and navigation. While a monumental engineering achievement, its construction led to the displacement of over a million people and continues to face environmental and geological criticisms, even as it remains fully operational and a significant energy source for China.
Quick Answer
The Three Gorges Dam is currently fully operational, serving its primary functions of flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and improved navigation on the Yangtze River. As of early 2026, its water levels are being managed, with a gradual decrease planned to 145 meters by early June from 165.42 meters in March 2026. While it continues to be a major energy provider, its power output can be affected by seasonal rainfall and drought conditions. The dam also remains a significant tourist attraction, even as China embarks on an even larger hydropower project in Tibet.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Sun Yat-sen Proposes Dam
Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a pioneer of China's democratic revolution, first proposed the idea of a large dam across the Yangtze River in his work 'The International Development of China'.
Mao Zedong Orders Feasibility Studies
Chinese leader Mao Zedong ordered feasibility studies for a dam at the Three Gorges, reigniting interest in the project for flood control.
National People's Congress Approves Construction
The Fifth Session of the Seventh National People's Congress officially approved the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, despite significant opposition and abstentions.
Construction Officially Begins
On-site construction work for the Three Gorges Dam project officially commenced.
Yangtze River Dammed
The Yangtze River was successfully blocked and diverted, marking a major milestone in the first phase of the dam's construction.
First Generators Operational & Reservoir Filling Begins
The first main generator began operation, and the reservoir started to fill, allowing initial navigation through the permanent ship locks.
Main Dam Body Completed
The concrete structure of the main dam body was completed, making it the largest dam structure in the world at the time.
Reservoir Reaches Maximum Designed Water Level
The Three Gorges Dam reservoir reached its designed maximum water level of 175 meters (574 feet) above sea level for the first time.
All Main Generating Units Fully Operational
All 32 main turbine generators were fully operational, bringing the dam to its full generating capacity of 22,500 MW.
Ship Lift Completed
The last major component of the project, the ship lift, was completed, allowing for faster passage of smaller vessels.
Sets New World Record for Annual Power Generation
Due to a particularly heavy monsoon season, the dam produced nearly 112 TWh of electricity, breaking the previous world record for annual power generation.
Water Discharge Operation Initiated
A critical hydrological operation began to reduce the reservoir level and prevent downstream flooding following heavy rainfall in the Yangtze River basin.
Water Level Management and Power Generation Update
The dam's water level was reported at 165.42 meters, with plans to gradually lower it to 145 meters by early June. Power generation was noted to be impacted by decreased rainfall.
China Begins Construction of Larger Hydropower Project
China commenced construction of a new hydropower complex on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, designed to surpass the Three Gorges Dam's electricity output, becoming the world's largest hydropower project.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The concept of damming the Yangtze River at the Three Gorges dates back to Sun Yat-sen's vision in 1919, with detailed planning gaining momentum under Mao Zedong in the 1950s. The project was officially approved by the National People's Congress in 1992, though with an unusually high number of abstentions and dissenting votes, reflecting the significant controversy surrounding it. Construction officially began on December 14, 1994, marking the start of one of the largest engineering feats in human history.
The primary motivations behind the Three Gorges Dam were multifaceted: to mitigate the devastating floods that historically plagued the Yangtze River basin, to generate vast amounts of clean hydroelectric power for China's rapidly growing economy, and to improve navigation along the river, allowing larger vessels to travel further inland. Key turning points in its construction included the successful damming of the Yangtze River in November 1997, the commencement of power generation from the first units and the initial filling of the reservoir in 2003, and the completion of the main dam body in 2006. By 2012, all 32 main generating units were fully operational, making it the world's largest hydroelectric power station by installed capacity. The final major component, the ship lift, was completed in 2015.
However, the project has been fraught with significant consequences and criticisms. Over 1.3 million people were displaced from their homes, cities, towns, and villages, in what became one of the largest peacetime resettlements in history. The reservoir also submerged countless historical and archaeological sites and altered the natural landscape of the Three Gorges. Environmental concerns include increased risks of landslides and reservoir-triggered seismicity, sedimentation, and impacts on the river's ecosystem and biodiversity. Despite these issues, proponents highlight its success in flood control, its substantial contribution to China's energy mix (generating a record 111.88 TWh in 2020), and enhanced shipping capacity.
As of April 13, 2026, the Three Gorges Dam remains fully operational, playing a crucial role in China's infrastructure. Water levels are actively managed, with reports from March 2026 indicating a water level of 165.42 meters, gradually being lowered to a target of 145 meters by early June to prepare for the flood season. While the dam continues to generate significant electricity, its output can fluctuate based on rainfall, with some reports in early 2026 noting impacts from decreased rainfall affecting power generation capacity. The dam area continues to be a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. Looking ahead, China is already undertaking an even more ambitious hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, designed to generate roughly three times the electricity of the Three Gorges Dam, signaling a continued focus on large-scale hydropower development.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Three Gorges Dam made different choices?