Three Gorges Dam sees largest flood peak of this year amid autumn rain

The Three Gorges Reservoir on Saturday recorded its largest flood peak since the beginning of 2025, with inflows exceeding 40,000 cubic meters per second for the first time this year, due to autumn rains in Western China.

The water level at Wanzhou District of Chongqing in southwest China, a key point on the Three Gorges (Qutang, Wuxia and Xiling Gorges) of the Yangtze River, rose to 167.4 meters by 12:00 on Sunday. The rising waters have submerged a local riverside market, but no casualties or property losses were reported thanks to early warnings and timely evacuations.

According to the Changjiang Water Resources Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources and China Three Gorges Corporation, inflows from the upper Yangtze River remained below average for most of the summer.

From July to August, total inflow into the Three Gorges Reservoir was over 20 percent lower than the historical average for the same period since its construction.

Affected by autumn rains in Western China at the end of the flood season, the Jialing River and the Three Gorges region in the upper Yangtze River have experienced several rounds of rainfall. As a result, inflows to the reservoir have gradually increased since September 17.

Three Gorges Dam sees largest flood peak of this year amid autumn rain

As schools in Beijing have started the winter vacation, the annual ice and snow carnival at the Yuanmingyuan Park, also known as the Old Summer Palace, sees increasing visits.

With an 80,000-square-meter area set for diverse ice and snow activities, the largest on its record, the ice and snow field at the park has become a popular destination for families to enjoy outdoor activities.

"We just come to feel for it here in winter. My kid happens to just have started her winter vacation, so I bring her here to get more contact with snow and enjoy the fun of playing with it," said Chen Nihua, a resident.

The ice field of the park features a 46-lane snow-tubing run that sends riders down in unison, and offers colorful activities such as electric sleds and snow zorbing.

"With the start of winter vacation, we have received an average of more than 300 visits daily, apparently more than usual. There are many children in the ice field, so we always remind parents of keeping the children company in all ice and snow sports, so as to ensure a safe and orderly playtime," said Wang Xiaodong, operating and managing director of the Yuanmingyuan Park.

Beijing park ice-snow carnival sees increasing visits