Published : 2025-04-13

On April 13, 1957, the construction of China's Sanmenxia Water Control Project (三門峽水利樞紐工程) began.

The Sanmenxia Water Control Project is known as the "First Dam on the Yellow River."

It is not only the first large-scale water control project built after the founding of People's Republic of China, but also the first large-scale comprehensive water control project on the main stream of the Yellow River.

It primarily focuses on flood and ice prevention, while also serving purposes such as irrigation, sediment reduction, water supply, and power generation.

Sanmenxia Water Control Project is an important part of the flood control and sediment reduction system in the lower reaches of the Yellow River.

In addition, it is the only water project among the 156 key projects aided by the Soviet Union during China's "First Five-Year Plan" period.

It is worth mentioning that the Sanmenxia Water Control Project was closely related to the then Premier Zhou Enlai (周恩來).

From the initial deliberation and policymaking to planning formulation, from technical design to institutional establishment, from project commencement through two subsequent reconstructions, and even the realisation of comprehensive benefits during normal operations - every phase bore the indelible imprint of Zhou Enlai's meticulous efforts.

To solve the major problems encountered in the project, Zhou Enlai personally visited the construction site three times in April 1958, October 1959, and October 1961.

He also presided over two special meetings in Sanmenxia and Beijing, making crucial decisions related to the project's construction.