How They Float Over Mountains in China

A ship floating at an altitude of several kilometers above sea level is an unnatural sight. However, such a thing exists. In China, where many regions are in mountainous terrain, there are systems of dams and reservoirs, so such a phenomenon is not uncommon. Let us recall: almost a third of the capacity received from hydroelectric power plants (hydroelectric power plants) is generated in the PRC. And this is 391 GW out of 1360 received in the world.

The hydraulic structures shown in the video on the Made People channel are unique and complex structures. For example, the "elevator" alone, which lifts or lowers ships, is worth something! In 10 minutes, the 500-ton colossus overcomes tens of meters of height (approximately a 26-story building). And the maximum load is 1800 tons. But there may be more than one "elevator": there are devices that lift ships to 127 m. The total height reaches 290 m.

For comparison: the largest pyramid of Cheops in Egypt rises to 139 m. It could easily be viewed from above, standing on the deck of a ship rising in such an elevator. And what other hydraulic structures, besides high-altitude locks, are used in China to move from one water area to another? After all, the main task is to integrate a waterway into a mountainous area. Watch the video with us - and be amazed more than once by the flight of engineering thought!