Completely Submerged Areas

 The relics and heritage below the inundation line belong to this type. These include the cultural relics of the New Stone Era, the ancient tombs built in Xia, Shang, Zhou, the Warring states, the West Han,Jin, the Southern and Northern dynasties, Tang and Song dynasties,etc. and the ancient cliff-path in the Three Gorges reach and Daning riverside, Baiheliang Low-water Inscription in Fuling City, Longjishi Dry Season Inscription in Yunyang County, Zhan Fei's Temple in Yunyang County, the Autumn Wind Pavilion in Badong County, the Dragon Gate Bridge in Linshi of Fuling City, Kongming's Monument in Wushan County, the Powder Wall and the Iron Pillar for River Locking in Fenjie County, and the two Watchtowers of Han Dynasty in Zhongxian County. The inundation of these relics are uncountable losses. Although some of the relics can be removed or rebuilt, but will not be restored to exactly the same as the original style or features.

Partially Submerged Areas

 The partly submerged relics in the reservoir region are those relics, which are partly located below the inundation line. These include the ancient tombs from the Warring States to the Six-dynasty Era in Fengdu County, Shibaozai Stockade Tower in Zhongxian County and the Memorial House of Qu Yuan in the east of Zigui County, etc..

Landscape Alterations

 After impoundment, the natural surroundings of the relics in the reservoir region will be changed to a certain extent and some will be altered significantly. For example, when the reservoir is impounds and the water level is raised, the White Emperor City (Baidicheng), at current elevation over 210 m, will be surrounded by water. The pavilion with bend upwards corners and upturned eaves, the verdant and luxurious forest, emerged by the rivers from three sides will form a unified and magnificent fairyland, just like Penglai Island in the Heaven. As the result, Baidicheng's tourism and scenery value will be further increased. After reservoir formation, the large part of Fengdu County will be submerged. However, Mount Ming, where" the Ghost Town" is located, will still show above the water level of the reservoir like a floating palace, creating an even more attractive scene.