In 1980-2015, China experienced one of the longest economic expansion in the modern era. While playing a significant role in supplying affordable and reliable electricity, hydropower has also caused undisputed and large negative impacts on social, ecological and cultural aspects. Dr. Darrin Magee from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in America shares his research and observation on the controversy of China's hydropower development both in the past and in the present of pursuing carbon neutral targets.