First phase

1993-1997 (five years): Project preparation and first stage of construction, culminating in the damming of the Yangtze River in November 1997. The water of the Yangtze River was diverted through a man-made canal - the diversion channel, and the water level in the Three Gorges area rose by as much as 10 meters as a result.

Second phase

1998-2003 (six years): The second stage culminates in the first batch of turbines beginning to generate hydropower and the permanent shiplock being put into operation. The reservoir is filled between June 1 and 15, 2003, when the water level in the Three Gorges have risen from the previous 66 meters above sea level to the current 135 meters.

Third phase

TGP Third Phase

2004-2009 (six years): The project is to be completed in 2009, when all 26 generators will be operating. The water level will be raised to 156 meters in September 2006. At the completion of the project in 2009, the water level will reach 175 meters, referred to as the "normal pool level. (chinadaily)