Yangtze River: Above the Dam

When completed and filled to capacity, the Yangtze River above the Three Rivers Dam will raise the water level within the gorge about 190 feet.  These pictures were taken in 2002 before completion of the dam, and shows much of the scenery and civilization that will be buried in water between the mountains.  The first picture shows two signs which identify the eventual water levels at 143 and 175 meters.  These signs may represent the low and high water marks when in full operation.  You must imagine the work created by clearing, and moving a civilization from the flooded area for several hundred miles of shore line.  The last few pictures show living structures that should be destroyed regardless of the new lake, but may not.