Abstract: The Three Gorges Project has operated for 20 years since 2003, achieving all major design objectives while continuously optimizing operational strategies to suit changing conditions and developmental needs. Its multifaceted benefits in flood control, power generation, navigation, and water resource utilization have been fully realized. By the end of 2023, the project has executed 66 flood detention operations, retaining an accumulated flood of over 208.8 billion m³, ensuring flood safety for Jingjiang River and substantially easing pressure on flood protection in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River. Power generation has surpassed 1 660 billion kW·h, equivalent to saving 510 million tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.33 billion tons. Channel conditions have markedly improved, facilitating a freight volume exceeding 2 billion tons, thus catalyzing the rapid development of Yangtze River navigation. During dry seasons, approximately 340 billion m³ of water was replenished downstream, effectively securing water supply safety. Ecological operations have yielded significant results, notably in the restoration of four major Chinese carps. To address challenges posed by frequent extreme hydrological events and ensure the long-term safe operation of the Three Gorges Project, as well as maximize its comprehensive benefits, future prospects entail advancing meteorological and hydrological forecasting technologies, optimizing the reservoir’s operational schemes, leveraging and applying innovative achievements, and implementing intelligent management practices.

Key words: Three Gorges Project, comprehensive benefits, flood control, power generation, navigation, water resources utilization