Located in the Hubei Province of China, the Three Gorges Dam is believed to be the biggest hydroelectric project in the world. Costing a massive USD25 billion, the project is an ambitious attempt to tame the capricious Yangtze River. The purpose of the Dam is to prevent loss of life and property due to the annual flooding. Its hydroelectric turbines have eliminated the need to import coal for power generation. The reservoir, the dam, and the ship-locks make it easy for large ships carrying cargo to travel up and down the river. Despite its initial controversies on human rights and ecological issues, the Dam has vastly improved the water-based navigation system and tourism while retaining the beautiful environment.
