Three Gorges Dam Project
 Three Gorges Project           Schedule of Three Gorges Project

August 2003
The first batch of two turbine generator units will begin to generate electricity in August and combined with the other two, they are estimated to generate 5.5 billon kilowatts.

June 16th, 2003
The first navigation of the Yangtze River Dam

On June 16th, 2003, two passenger ships - Princess of China Regal Cruise and China Sunshine successfully passed through the newly completed five-level ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam. It signified the accomplishment of a major goal of the Three Gorges Project and the fulfillment of the long-time dream of Chinese generations. From June 16th, 2003, the two-way five-level permanent ship locks will open for a one-year trial navigation period.

June 10th, 2003
The water level has been raised to 135 meters, which paved the way for the first navigation on the Yangtze River Dam.

After the success of the closure of the sluice gate at the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River on June 1st, 2003, the water level of Yangtze River has been completely lifted to 135 meters by June 10th, five days ahead of the project schedule. This paved the way for the first navigation through the Yangtze River Dam.

June 1st, 2003
The successful closure of the sluice gate

At 9:00, June 1st, with a press of a switch, the No.20 sluice gate began to be closed and the Three Gorges Dam started to fill. The water level is planned to rise from 100 meters to 135 meters in 15 days. The storage of water is increased to 12.3 billion cubic meters from the original 2.3 billion cubic meters.

May 21, 2003
Preparations for storing water in the Three Gorges reservoir have entered the final stage. The reservoir's water level is set to rise from 80 meters to 98 meters by June 1 and the water level will then reach 135 meters by June 15.

May 1st, 2003
The Cofferdam is destroyed and water runs into the reservoir

April 16th, 2003
The height of the cofferdam reaches 140 meters high 55 days in advance as it was planned.

April 11th, 2003
Yangtze River enters its 67 days navigation break period

The temporary ship lock finished its task and Yangtze River enters its 67 days navigation break period. The navigation will resume by June 16th, 2003. All the Yangtze cruise ships will sail only between Chongqing and Maoping. This will mean that cruise companies will arrange overland transfer for tourists between Wuhan and Maoping, or Yichang and Maoping

Nov 6th, 2002
The damming of the open diversion channel is successfully completed.

On Nov 6th, 2002 the 15-meter opening in the diversion canal dam is successfully closed. The damming of the open diversion channel is of important significance and it paved the way for the third stage Three Gorges Project.

 Three Gorges Dam Project
 Three Gorges Project           Schedule of Three Gorges Project