The Locks and Dam on the River

There are five locks on the river at the Three Gorges Dam and hydroelectric power project.

The gates to the locks

The gates are now closed and the water will drop us to the lower level since we are going downstream.

The boats headed back the next morning.

A picture of a photo of the river, dam and locks.


Models of the project

It was interesting to hear the perspective of different people as they spoke of the million plus people who were displaced because of the dam. We heard different purposes for the dam but basically it was for flood control, shipping, hydroelectric power and tourism. Those who felt positive about it said that by moving people to other locations many lives were saved each year that had previously been lost due to flooding. Apparently the younger people who were displaced were also excited about it. Instead of tiny, inadequate homes on cliffs or in valley farms and often without water and electric sources they now live in cities with larger apartments with utilities, better schooling opportunities or different work possibilities. I think that it was most difficult for the people who were sent hundreds of miles from their homes and families. Many of these people knew nothing but farming and country life and they were now placed in big cities on the 6th and 7th story of apartment buildings with no yard, no trees and no elevators. Many of them were old and the stairs were difficult and they missed their families, their animals and their surroundings. Tour guides paint a beautiful picture of progress, particularly political progress. Others color the picture with much more loss and personal sorrow.