Are Yangtze River cruises still available?
	Why are so many people concerned about the Three Gorges Project?
	What's the schedule of the Three Gorges Project?
	After the damming of the open division channel in 2002, what will be done next?
	How much will the people benefit from the Project?
	Can I see the Three Gorges and the main attractions after 2003?
	How is the navigation in Yangtze River?

Are Yangtze River cruises still available?

Yes, the Yangtze River cruises are still available. However, due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the route will be a little different in future.

From Year 2003, the construction of the Three Gorges Dam will enter its third stage which is expected to last six years. During the period prior to completion of the permanent ship locks which should be ready by 15 July 2003, that is between 26 Oct. 2002 and 1 June 2003, all the Yangtze cruise ships will only sail between Chongqing and Maoping. This will mean that cruise companies will arrange overland transfer by limousines between Wuhan and Maoping, or Yichang and Maoping for tourists. A limousine can hold about 40 persons.

• Maoping - a dock near the Three Gorges Dam with only 20 minutes bus ride.
• Though it is estimated that the permanent ship locks will be used from July 15, to ensure your cruise, it's best to avoid making reservations for the month of June 2003.

Why are so many people concerned about the Three Gorges Project?

The Three Gorges Project is the largest water conservancy project in the world. Firstly, the total storage capacity of the reservoir is 39.3 billion m3 and for flood control it is 22.15 billion m3. This means it can effectively control the flood upstream from the Yangtze River and protect 23,000,000 mu (a unit of area) of farmland and 15 million people from suffering the disaster. It is the world's most effective flood control water conservancy project. Secondly, hydropower stations of the Three Gorges generate 84.68 billion kw.h. electricity per year, making it the world's biggest hydropower station. Thirdly, the investment for this project is the most substantial, and also the most difficult project in the world. Therefore it is a project of world-wide significance.

Additionally, the Three Gorges Dam Project promotes the development of tourism. As the largest water conservancy in the world, it combines the world-renown natural beauty and largest manmade water conservancy sights together. As a result, more and more people at home and abroad place great importance on the Three Gorges Dam Project.

What's the schedule of the Three Gorges Project?

The schedule of the Three Gorges Dam Project is as follows:

• 5 years (1993 ~ 1997): Preparation and 1st stage construction. The damming of the Yangtze River symbolized its initial success.
• 6 years (1998 ~ 2003): During this period, the goal is to make the reservoir sluice initially, enabling the first batch of turbine generator units to generate electricity and the permanent ship lock to start navigating. The damming of the open diversion channel on Nov 6, 2002 was of important significance.
• 6 years (2003 ~ 2009):3rd stage construction. All the turbine generator units will commence generating electricity, and the entire hinge project will be successfully completed.

After the damming of the open division channel in 2002, what will be done next?

Although we have made marked achievements in the second stage, some problems still remain. The cofferdam has to be filled with earth and rocks and 20,000 m3 impervious walls within about one month. Thereafter, within three and a half to four months three stages of compressing concrete cofferdam, 140m high wall have to be constructed. This is a difficult task, but if done well, the third stage of the Three Gorges Dam Project will prove even more beneficial.

How much will the people benefit from the Project?

Benefits to the people essentially include:

1) Flood Control.
2) Power Generation.
3) Navigation Improvement.
4) Fishery in the reservoir.
5) Tourism and Recreational Activities.

Can I see the Three Gorges and the main attractions after 2003?

Yes indeed!
Not only will you enjoy the splendor of Three Gorges but also some new sights. The rumor of "Saying good-bye to three gorges" is not real. Although a few of the historical scenic spots will be inundated, the main attractions such as Xiling gorge, White king Temple, Kuimen and Wushan Fairy can still be seen as you visit the most attractive man-made scenery "the first dam", and the largest hydro-electric power project in the world.

How is the navigation in Yangtze River?

The navigation in Yangtze River has greatly improved. 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 has improved from 10 million to 50 million tons per year while the transportation cost decreased 35-37 percent. This will benefit the connection among the three economic zones, namely east China, central China and southwest China. It is really "Gold Waterway" of China.