The commencement of construction on the Three Gorges Dam represented a significant moment in China's modernization and infrastructure development efforts. Located on the Yangtze River in Hubei province, the dam was proposed as a solution to the long-standing issues of flooding, power shortages, and transportation challenges in the region. The dam, when completed, would be the largest hydroelectric power station in the world, aiming to produce over 22,500 megawatts of electricity. The decision to build the dam was articulated by Chinese officials as a means of promoting economic growth and energy security, given China's rapidly industrializing economy and rising energy demands. A major aspect of the project's ambition was its multi-purpose functionality, which included flood control, improved shipping routes, and electricity generation.

Construction activities included the extensive relocation of communities and infrastructure along the river, which ultimately affected millions of residents. The project faced considerable scrutiny and opposition from both domestic environmentalists and international organizations highlighting the ecological and cultural losses. The raised waters would inundate archaeological sites and displace numerous villages, leading to challenges that China grappled with as it navigated its development agenda. Despite these critiques, the dam quickly became a symbol of state-led progress and technological prowess.

Throughout its construction phase, significant financial investments were made, with funding coming from both the Chinese government and foreign sources, reflecting the project’s international implications. Completion of the dam promised to boost China’s economic capacity and capacity for energy production while demonstrating the scale of Chinese engineering ambition. The Three Gorges Dam also served as a case study in balancing developmental needs against social and environmental concerns, embodying the complexities associated with large infrastructural projects.