The Three Gorges tells the story of Michael Hwang - a civil engineer who lands a dream job with a top firm in Los Angeles, only to find out that his first project will result in the destruction of his father's home. That project is the hydroelectric dam in Sandouping, China, which will flood the legendary natural treasure known as the Three Gorges and displace 1.5 million Chinese residents from their homes. The night before he leaves for China, Michael's estranged mother calls to tell him about his long lost father, a man she left behind during the Cultural Revolution. Michael must come to terms with the devastating consequences of his work while trying to build a relationship his father, whom he will meet for the very first time.