Dams and reservoirs in China are numerous and have had a profound effect on the country's development and people.
[1][2] In 2005, there were over 80,000 reservoirs in the country and over 4,800 dams completed or under construction that stands at or exceed 30 m (98 ft) in height.
The largest reservoir is created by the Three Gorges Dam, which stores 39.3 billion m3 (31,900,000 acre feet) of water and has a surface area of 1,045 km2 (403 sq mi).
[5][6] Dams and their associated reservoirs are constructed by the country for several reasons including hydroelectric power generation, flood control, irrigation, drought mitigation, navigation and tourism.
[7] China has the largest potential for hydropower in the world and currently ranks first in hydroelectric generating capacity with about 200,000 MW online.