Over two billion tonnes of goods traveled through Yangtze River ports from January to July 2023, underscoring its role as a lifeline for global commerce. But traversing Asia’s longest river was once a perilous journey—until the Three Gorges Dam’s five-level ship lock transformed the game.
Engineers behind the 100-million-tonne-capacity lock system, nestled in Hubei Province, describe it as a ‘staircase for ships,’ lifting vessels 113 meters to bypass rapids and stabilize water flow. ‘This isn’t just about moving cargo—it’s about climate resilience,’ says Li Wei, a senior technician. ‘The dam and lock system prevent floods, mitigate droughts, and keep supply chains running during extreme weather.’
With 14,000 ships passing annually, the infrastructure has slashed shipping costs by 30% for companies exporting electronics, machinery, and renewables equipment from China’s inland factories to global markets. Meanwhile, Hubei’s blend of ancient culture and cutting-edge innovation takes center stage in Eyes Over Hubei, a new documentary series exploring the Yangtze’s role in shaping China’s economic and environmental future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
