Directors give the order to demolish the last cofferdam protecting the just-completed main wall of Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in Yichang, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2006.  [Xinhua Photo]

Staff members cheer after the demolition of the last cofferdam protecting the just-completed main wall of Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in Yichang, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2006. [Xinhua Photo]

The last cofferdam protecting the just-completed main wall of Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is demolished in Yichang, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2006. The removal of the cofferdam means the main dam of the Three Gorges Project will formally begin its role in flood control, two years ahead of the schedule.  [Xinhua Photo]