Yellow River Three Gorges Dam in Sanmenxia

Sanmenxia Dam Scenic Area (三门峡大坝风景区) is located in Hubin District, Sanmenxia City. It is centered on the first large-scale water conservancy project built on the main stream of the Yellow River after the founding of the People’s Republic of China and is widely known as the “First Dam on the Ten-Thousand-Li Yellow River.” Spanning the boundary between Henan and Shanxi provinces, the scenic area combines monumental hydraulic engineering, historic Yellow River sites, and dramatic gorge landscapes. Visitors can witness the spectacular water-and-sediment regulation and flood discharge of the Yellow River, explore the legendary Midstream Pillar Rock associated with Yu the Great, and see remains of ancient cliffside plank roads. It is also an important destination for educational tours focusing on Yellow River culture and water conservancy engineering.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from April to October. During the July–September flood season, water-and-sediment regulation and flood discharge can create the most dramatic scenery, although this is a seasonal spectacle rather than a year-round occurrence. From October to June of the following year, when water is stored in the reservoir, the Yellow River upstream of the dam may appear clear and green, while the downstream section remains muddy, creating a striking contrast. Opening hours are 08:30–18:30 from April to October, with last admission at 17:30, and 08:30–17:30 from November to March, with last admission at 16:30. During water-and-sediment regulation periods, visitor numbers are restricted and advance reservations are required. A complete visit generally takes 2–3 hours.

How to Get to Sanmenxia Dam Scenic Area

By high-speed rail: Arrive at Sanmenxia South Railway Station (三门峡南站) and take a taxi to the dam scenic area, which takes approximately 35 minutes.

By car: Navigate to “Sanmenxia Dam Scenic Area.” Parking costs RMB 5 per visit, and vehicles can drive directly into designated areas inside the scenic zone. The drive from downtown Sanmenxia takes approximately 30 minutes.

By public transport: A dedicated tourist bus to the dam operates from downtown Sanmenxia, generally departing on the hour. The journey takes around 40 minutes, but services are limited. There are no sightseeing buses inside the scenic area. The Crystal Palace underground gallery is an optional paid attraction.

Main Attractions

Dam Crest Viewing Platform

From the top of the dam, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Yellow River and experience the popular photo opportunity of “stepping across Henan and Shanxi provinces in a single stride.” During the reservoir storage period, the upstream waters are often calm and green, while the downstream Yellow River remains turbulent and muddy. During flood discharge, enormous torrents surge through the gates, filling the air with spray, and rainbows may occasionally appear in the mist. This is the scenic area’s most iconic viewing point. Visitors must strictly follow safety regulations and never cross warning barriers.

Midstream Pillar Rock

The Midstream Pillar Rock (中流砥柱石) is a massive natural rock standing in the Yellow River channel. According to legend, it is associated with the flood-control works of Yu the Great and has remained standing despite centuries of powerful currents and floods, becoming a symbol of resilience and the spirit of the Yellow River. During the dry season, most or all of the rock can be seen above the water, while during the flood season much of it may be submerged.

Yellow River Sanmenxia Exhibition Hall

The Yellow River Sanmenxia Exhibition Hall is free to visit and uses historical objects, old photographs, scale models, and multimedia displays to explain the construction of the dam, the history of Yellow River management, and the operating principle known as “storing clear water and discharging sediment-laden water.” It is one of the most important educational exhibition spaces in the scenic area for understanding hydraulic engineering and river management.

Ancient Yellow River Plank Road Ruins

The Ancient Yellow River Plank Road Ruins (黄河古栈道遗址) are located along steep cliffs beside the river. These routes were carved into the rock by ancient travelers and boatmen involved in river transport. Numerous socket holes and distinctive ox-nose-shaped stone fastenings remain visible, providing important physical evidence of the history of transportation and navigation along the Yellow River.

Zhanggong Island and Dressing Platform

Zhanggong Island (张公岛) lies in the river downstream from the dam and is traditionally associated with the ancient astronomer Zhang Heng, who is said to have observed celestial phenomena here. Nearby, only the foundation of the Dressing Platform (梳妆台) survives today, but the site offers close views toward the Midstream Pillar Rock and surrounding river scenery.

Crystal Palace – Dam Interior Gallery

The Crystal Palace (水晶宫) is an underground sightseeing corridor converted from a former dam inspection tunnel. With sections of glass flooring and close-up views of the dam structure, it allows visitors to experience the scale of the engineering from inside. It is an optional paid attraction and remains particularly cool during summer.

Dayu Park

Dayu Park (大禹公园) is a landscaped leisure area featuring sculptures themed around ancient flood control and the legend of Yu the Great. After exploring the dam and engineering sites, visitors can take a relaxing walk and rest in the park.

Tickets, Accommodation and Local Food

Tickets: Adult admission is RMB 30, with slightly lower prices sometimes available through online booking. Full-time students and visitors aged 60–69 receive half-price admission with valid identification. Children under 1.4 meters tall, visitors aged 70 and above, active-duty military personnel, and visitors with disabilities are eligible for free admission with valid documentation. Admission to the Crystal Palace underground gallery requires a separate fee.

Accommodation: Most visitors stay in downtown Sanmenxia and explore the dam as a day trip. Facilities around the scenic area are relatively limited, so staying overnight near the dam is generally not recommended.

Local food: Popular specialties include Shanzhou fermented eggs (陕州糟蛋), Shizi Mo stone-baked flatbread (石子馍), large Yellow River carp, and Lingbao Roujiamo (灵宝肉夹馍). Food and drink outlets inside the scenic area are limited, so visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water.

Travel Tips

Water-and-sediment regulation and flood discharge depend on official hydraulic operations and do not take place throughout the year. Check official announcements before traveling. During flood discharge, heavy spray can reach viewing areas, so rain protection is recommended, and visitors must stay well away from dangerous waters.

Wind, sand, and water spray can be strong around the dam area, and clothing and shoes may become dusty or muddy. Wear practical, easy-to-clean footwear and clothing, and bring a light jacket because winds along the Yellow River can be strong.

As this is an operating water conservancy project, some sections are restricted or closed to visitors. Sightseeing is permitted only from designated areas and viewing platforms, and climbing over protective railings is strictly prohibited.

Sanmenxia Dam Scenic Area can be combined with Shanzhou Dikengyuan Underground Courtyard (陕州地坑院) and Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park (天鹅湖国家城市湿地公园) to create a one- or two-day Sanmenxia itinerary. In winter, Swan Lake is also a famous destination for observing whooper swans.

Recommended Visiting Route

Scenic Area Entrance → Yellow River Sanmenxia Exhibition Hall → Dam Crest Viewing Platform (Step Across Henan and Shanxi) → Dayu Park → Zhanggong Island and Dressing Platform → Midstream Pillar Rock Viewing Area → Ancient Yellow River Plank Road Ruins → Optional Crystal Palace Underground Gallery → Return to the Exit