Editing Three Gorges (section)

== Three Gorges Dam ==
{{Main|Three Gorges Dam}}

The [[Three Gorges Dam]] was constructed at [[Sandouping]] ({{lang|zh|三斗坪}}), [[Yichang]] ({{lang|zh|宜昌}}) in [[Hubei Province]] ({{lang|zh-hant|湖北}}), in the middle of [[Xiling Gorge]]. On May 20, 2006, the reservoir dam was completed, and the water level quickly reached the initial level of {{convert|110|m|sp=us}} above the downstream river. The project was completed by the end of 2008, with a ship lift completed in 2015.{{citation needed|reason=a credible source such as a news or journal article is needed for this information. this also needs updating as it is 2016 now|date=May 2016}}

Both the dam and the Three Gorges Reservoir has had a massive impact on the region's ecology and people, involving the mass relocation of towns and villages.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-01-22|title=Three Gorges dam may force relocation of a further 300,000 people|url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jan/22/wave-tidal-hydropower-water|access-date=2021-06-12|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Relocated Three Gorges Residents Face Challenges|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17784497|access-date=2021-06-12|website=NPR.org|language=en}}</ref> The higher water level has changed the scenery of the Three Gorges so that the river is wider and the mountains appear lower. However, the mountains still tower above the river, and the gorges continue to offer views of the surrounding cliffs.

The [[riverboat]] companies operating on the Three Gorges are experiencing an increase in demand for river cruises.{{citation needed|reason=a credible source such as a news or journal article is needed for this information|date=May 2016}} The increased width and depth of the river permits larger ships through the gorges, and there has been a significant increase in river traffic of all kinds, including bulk cargo and container barges.