Annual water levels in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) fluctuate by approx. 30 m, which can influence the riparian zone. Such changes include soil stabilization or restoration, re-vegetation, landscape management and environmental sanitation. However, there is a lack of information on the rates, magnitude and variability of sedimentation processes in this riparian zone. A field monitoring programme was conducted along the middle reach of the TGR during 2007-2009. Fifteen monitoring transects were instrumented with columnar sediment traps and erosion pins. Mean sediment deposition rates were 5.8 cm year~(-1) at the 145-150 m level and 2.3 cm year~(-1) at the 150-175 m level. The mean sediment deposition rate was approx. 12 cm year~(-1) at tributary inlets and shoals and a maximum of 18 cm year~(-1) occurred at the 145-150 m level. Sedimentation processes in riparian areas along the TGR will likely have an impact on the ecology and long-term operation of the TGR.