Buzz
Despite resting beneath the waters of Tian Dao Lake, the ancient city of Shi Cheng in Chinese tourism has maintained historical architectural wonders spanning thousands of years.
Enchanted by the Millennia-Old Subaquatic City in China
Insights into the Tian Dao Lake
Tian Dao Lake is an artificial reservoir located in Zhejiang, China, formed in 1959, concealing a majestic ancient city beneath its depths. True to its name, Tian Dao Lake spans an area of 573km, encompassing 1078 islands of various sizes scattered throughout the lake.
Tian Dao Lake, an artificial reservoir in Zhejiang - Illustrative Image
Notably, Tian Dao Lake is a famous tourist destination in China, attracting visitors with its renowned grandeur. However, few are aware that beneath the lake's surface lies a magnificent structure of immense proportions.
Shi Cheng City, the Buried Treasure
Shi Cheng City, also known as Sufu City, lies 40m beneath the waters of Tian Dao Lake in Zhejiang Province. Constructed 1300 years ago at the foot of Mount Wu Su during the Eastern Han period, Shicheng was then a prominent political and economic center in eastern Zhejiang. Today, Shi Cheng is a desolate ruin submerged underwater.
Conceptual overview of the ancient city of Shi Cheng - Illustrative Image
Despite being forgotten for over 50 years, Shicheng City has remarkably preserved numerous residential and temple structures adorned with exquisite carvings, well-maintained and untouched by factors like rain, sun, or wind. This place is often likened to a 'time capsule' due to its unaffected state.
The ancient city of Shi Cheng nearly intact beneath the waters of Tian Dao Lake - Illustrative Image
As a remaining relic submerged deep within the waters of Tian Dao Lake, Shi Cheng City is dubbed the 'Atlantis of the East.' Atlantis was a grand and powerful island, but its ancient world-dominating empire came to an abrupt end after a natural disaster. Although not sharing Atlantis's origin and demise, Shi Cheng City, untouched by any calamity, was submerged in 1959 when the Chinese government decided to build a hydroelectric dam and an artificial lake. Since then, the ancient city beneath the lake seemed forgotten for a considerable period.
Shi Cheng City gaining attraction as a tourist destination - Illustrative Image
Until 2001, when a local tourism official proposed turning Tian Dao Lake into a Chinese tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors, Shi Cheng City was rediscovered, surveyed, and explored.
Through persistent exploration, people uncovered the entire city, from walls and intricately carved structures to wooden docks and staircases. Additionally, the city boasts 5 gates, broad avenues, and archways adorned with sculptures depicting lions, dragons, and various historical symbols, creating a mystical and splendid ambiance beneath the lake's surface.
A Glimpse of Ancient Traces in Shi Cheng City - Illustrative Image
In the present day, thanks to tourism initiatives, China has transformed Shi Cheng City into a renowned destination for budget-friendly travel, attracting tourists. Particularly appealing to divers and those who seek to explore mysterious beauty, it has become a familiar location for archaeologists and film crews capturing the ancient traces.
