Join us on a study tour to China

DATE: 11 – 22 October 2026

LOCATION: China

TYPE: In-person event

Event overview

The Study Tour to China is being organised in coordination with the IHA China Office located in Beijing, which is hosted by the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) under the Ministry of Water Resources.

The participants will visit pumped storage and conventional hydropower facilities, as well as manufacturing plants, research institutes and key government agencies. The participants will also have an opportunity to exchange views and build connections with leading Chinese organisations across the sector, alongside a range of cultural activities.

Event programme

• Visits to landmark projects, including the Three Gorges Project, the world’s largest hydropower station; the historically significant Gezhouba Hydropower Station; and the Zipingpu Hydropower Station, which plays an important role in regional water management;
• Meetings with leading companies such as China Three Gorges and State Grid Xinyuan, as well as organisations including the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) and key government agencies and energy-policy think tanks;
• Guided tours of manufacturing facilities belonging to companies such as Dongfang Machinery, Jiajiang Machinery and, if the schedule allows, Harbin Machinery;
• Discussions with prominent engineering and research institutes, including CISPDR, PowerChina Chengdu Engineering Corporation and the State Grid Electric Power Engineering Research Institute;
• Networking events in Beijing and cultural activities, including a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

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Why is this tour taking place in China?

China is one of the key pillars of the IHA’s regional engagement, which reflects its unique role in global hydropower and pumped storage development. Through this study tour, we will be showcasing China’s expertise and innovation whilst strengthening international cooperation through on-site networking and in-person meetings.

Contact us

Should you have any questions or require further information about the study tour to China, please reach out to IHA’s Special Policy Advisor, Prof. Zhao.

What is a Study Tour?

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) a non-profit membership organisation that advocates for sustainable hydropower and has a truly global outreach. To date, IHA has 10 regional offices in Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, China, Georgia, India, Italy, Nepal, and South Africa, and the Central Office located in London, UK.

Study Tours are in-person events that IHA organises for its members, however, non-member companies from the sector are also welcome to join these events should there be spaces available. They normally have a very limited capacity and span across several days. Participation in the Study Tours provides a great opportunity to learn about regional policies and best sustainability practices in the sector, stay up to date with the latest innovations in the hydropower technologies, and build connections with the industry leaders from all over the world.