June 18, 2024 marks the 21st anniversary of thesafeoperation of theThree Gorges Dam ship locks.According to the Three Gorges Navigation Authority, during the 21 years, the ship lockshave opened the gates for 204,300times, with over 1.035 million ships, 12.26 millionpeople and 2.077 billion tons of cargopassing through.This showcasesthe safe and smooth navigation of the Yangtze Riveras a“Golden Waterway”.

　　Withthelargest number of tiers andthe largest between-tier conveyance water head, the inland river ship locks ofthe Three Gorges Dam are unparalleled in the world for the complexity of their design. They represent significant structures in Chinaand a strategic passageon the Yangtze River. Since the locks were opened topublic navigation in 2003, navigation channels and port facilitieshave improved significantlythanks torobust economic and social development along the Yangtze River.A growing demand for the transportation of bulk commodities such as energy, construction materials, and oresis released, and a big rise in daily opening of gates,draught, and the average lockage tonnage, and total cargo throughput is seen as a result of continuous technological advancement, equipment upgrading, and safe and efficient management. (Reporter/Wang Ying, Correspondent/Wu Qionglu)