Sunken Ancient Chinese City Unearthed in Qiandao Lake, Preserved for Centuries

Beneath the waters of Qiandao Lake lies an ancient city remarkably preserved through the ages. Known as Shi Cheng, or the Lion City, this submerged marvel has earned the nickname “China’s Atlantis”, attracting historians and explorers keen to reveal its mysteries. Despite its extraordinary condition, the city’s history is marked by displacement and complex legacies.

An Entire City Sacrificed for Development

Established during the Tang Dynasty in 621 AD, Shi Cheng prospered throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Located in Zhejiang Province, it was once a vibrant political and commercial hub, celebrated for its grand archways, elaborate stone reliefs, and uniquely featuring five city gates—an uncommon trait for ancient Chinese urban settlements.

However, in 1959, the Chinese government made a transformative decision. To create space for a hydroelectric power station, Shi Cheng and the neighboring He Cheng, a city thought to originate from the Han Dynasty (25-200 AD), were submerged. This inundation displaced nearly 300,000 inhabitants, ending a city’s life that spanned more than a thousand years.

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The Rediscovery of a Lost Civilization

Hidden beneath 40 meters of water for decades, Shi Cheng was nearly forgotten until an expedition in 2001 confirmed the city was not only still there but astonishingly well maintained.

Unlike sites eroded by natural factors, the fresh water environment preserved streets, inscriptions, and stonework with remarkable clarity, making them appear as vivid as when originally carved.

The site gained renewed attention in 2011 after stunning photographs appeared in Chinese National Geography. By 2017, access was granted to select professional divers, offering a rare, unspoiled look into China’s historical heritage.

Your-first-glimpse-of-the-ruins-of-Lion-City-will-take-your-breath-away-58c93ebcbf769c3f325309a72e392ed9.jpeg — Initial views of Lion City’s ruins are breathtaking. Structures emerge vividly from the dark water when illuminated. Visibility at the site is notably better than surrounding areas, reaching up to 20-25 feet.

A Submerged Realm of History

The architectural footprint of Shi Cheng, still largely unexplored, stretches over an area roughly equivalent to 60 football fields. The city boasts at least 265 arched gateways alongside intricate engravings of dragons, phoenixes, and ancient texts, some dating back to 1777, according to the Daily Star.

Despite growing global fascination, much of the city remains cloaked in mystery. Divers report that navigating its silent underwater avenues feels like stepping into a forgotten empire, frozen in time.

Access to the submerged city is highly restricted; only divers with advanced certifications in deep-water and night diving are allowed entry.

While-it-can-be-easy-to-stay-fixated-only-on-the-animal-carvings-in-the-city-3a47165f3d16b4a279a0f20f06e19bb1.jpeg — Animal engravings capture immediate attention, but Chinese characters etched into the walls provide additional context and historical insight into the city.

Preserving China’s Underwater Heritage

Shi Cheng was officially designated a protected historical site under Zhejiang Province in 2011 and has since become a top destination for specialized diving enthusiasts. Yet, strict regulations and its isolated setting mean few have experienced it in person.

Will this underwater treasure eventually be comprehensively charted and studied? Could emerging technologies enable a broader audience to explore its wonders without diving?

For the time being, Shi Cheng remains a mysterious relic beneath the lake, patiently waiting to reveal the stories it has preserved for centuries.