Abstract: Since the Three Gorges reservoir (TGR) started to run, the non-uniform flow with backwater characteristics in its upper part has remarkably affected sediment transport and flood travelling. Specific observed data were analyzed to reveal the behaviors of three-dimensional velocity and turbulence intensity in this reservoir region, particularly the characteristics of vertical distribution. Results show that in the region, vertical profiles of longitudinal velocities generally follow the log-law, the distribution of transverse flows is controlled by riverbed forms, and vertical components are considerable and largely in downward direction. Turbulence intensities of all the three components are distributed uniformly on all the cross sections along the flow, but vertical turbulences tend to increase gradually along the flow. Such features of vertical flows and turbulences in the backwater region of non-uniform flow are remarkably different from those in uniform flow, and hence it has brought about significant changes in sediment motions, especially the vertical profiles of suspended sediment concentration in the reservoir area.