After 50 years submerged underwater, the city known as the “Eastern Atlantis” in China still retains its magnificent and mysterious charm.
Tian Dao is an artificial lake formed in 1959 located in Zhejiang Province, China. True to its name, Tian Dao covers an area of 573 square kilometers and contains 1,078 large and small islands scattered throughout. However, the scenery here pales in comparison to the majestic ancient city lying beneath the lake, which is dubbed “Eastern Atlantis”.
The Tian Dao complex in Zhejiang (China).
The “Lost” City of Shi Cheng – A Treasure Beneath the Lake
About 1,300 years ago, Shi Cheng (Lion City) was built at the foot of Wushi Mountain during the Eastern Han Dynasty. At that time, this city was considered a center of politics and economics in eastern Zhejiang Province, with a population density reaching up to 290,000 people.
“Eastern Atlantis” overwhelms with its ancient and mysterious beauty.
However, when China undertook the construction of the Xin’an Dam at Tian Dao Lake in 1959, this city was unfortunately submerged and has remained underwater ever since.
In 2001, after a long search, experts discovered architectural structures beneath the lake. Eventually, a team of professional divers from Shanghai found Shi Cheng lying submerged at a depth of 40 meters.
After more than 50 years, the ruins of this city have become a version of the kingdom of Atlantis and are part of a miniature collection of world wonders in China.
The city discovered after many years submerged at the bottom of the lake
The Mysterious “Time Capsule”
Although forgotten for several decades, the city of Shi Cheng has remarkably preserved many buildings and temples adorned with intricate sculptures characteristic of Eastern art.
The details of the city are still well-preserved
Moreover, being unaffected by elements such as rain, sun, or wind means that everything from the walls to the carved architecture, wooden beams, and staircases remains intact.
The city features five entrances from various directions, wide roads, and archways decorated with stone sculptures of lions, dragons, and numerous other historical symbols, creating a mysterious and magnificent beauty right beneath the lake.
Sketch of the city of Shi Cheng
After 20 years of being discovered, this site has become a famous tourist destination, attracting visitors, especially divers and those interested in exploring the ancient history and culture of China.
