The fourth day of our Century Legend Yangtze River cruise was one that Rosa and I had been anticipating since the very beginning — the day we would reach the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. After days of sailing past ancient towns and misty cliffs, we were finally about to witness the monumental engineering marvel that stands as a symbol of modern China’s ambition and innovation.
That morning, our ship glided gracefully through the Three Gorges, where nature’s grandeur unfolded on both sides of the Yangtze River. The steep cliffs rose dramatically from the emerald waters, their peaks veiled in drifting clouds. Villages clung to the mountainsides, and the occasional fishing boat reminded us that life along this river has continued for thousands of years, even as the landscape itself has been transformed.
As we approached Gezhouba Dam, the smaller yet significant gateway to the mighty Three Gorges project, we gathered on deck to watch the process of passing through the ship lock. It was an astonishing sight — our cruise ship slowly entering the massive chamber, the heavy gates closing behind us, and the water level rising steadily to lift us to the upper section of the river. Everyone on board seemed captivated by the quiet strength of this feat of engineering.
Soon after, we arrived at the Three Gorges Dam Memorial Park, where we hoped to admire the dam in its full splendor. Unfortunately, a heavy fog hung over the river that day, wrapping the great dam in a mysterious white veil. We couldn’t see its full outline, but standing there on the riverbank, we still felt the magnitude of its presence — knowing that behind that fog stood a structure that took 50 years of research and 13 years of construction to complete, holding back one of the most powerful rivers on Earth.
We also visited the Three Gorges Project Museum, where vivid exhibits and detailed models helped us understand the scale, purpose, and human effort behind this colossal endeavor. It was both inspiring and humbling to realize how much vision and sacrifice went into reshaping the Yangtze for the benefit of future generations.
Later that evening, as the Century Legend continued its voyage through the Three Gorges, the scenery outside remained as captivating as ever — steep cliffs, lush greenery, and tranquil villages slipping by in the soft twilight. Captain Zhang Hongbo, our ever-gracious host, organized a special party on board to celebrate our passage through this iconic region. He personally came to greet us, posed for photos, and made everyone feel at home with his warm smile and thoughtful hospitality.
As the night deepened and the cruise lights reflected gently on the river, Rosa and I stood together on the deck. Though the fog had hidden the dam from our full view, we felt grateful — we had seen it with our own eyes, felt its presence, and sailed through one of the most magnificent stretches of river in the world. The journey through the Three Gorges was not just a highlight of our cruise, but a memory that will stay with us for a lifetime.
