After 50 years submerged beneath the lake, the city dubbed “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 spans an area of 573 square kilometers and contains 1,078 islands of various sizes scattered throughout. However, the scenery here pales in comparison to the majestic ancient city lying beneath the lake, known as “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, the city of Shi Cheng (Shicheng) was built at the foot of Wu Shi Mountain during the Eastern Han Dynasty. At that time, this city was considered a center of politics and economics in eastern Zhejiang Province, boasting a population of up to 290,000 people.
“Eastern Atlantis” awes with its ancient and mysterious beauty.
However, when China undertook the construction of the Xin’an Dam at Tian Dao 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. Ultimately, a team of professional divers from Shanghai found Shi Cheng submerged at a depth of 40 meters.
After more than 50 years, the ruins of this city have become a version of the legendary Atlantis and are now part of a collection of miniature world wonders in China.
The city discovered after many years submerged beneath the lake.
The Mysterious “Time Capsule”
Despite being forgotten for several decades, Shi Cheng still retains many intact structures, including intricately decorated houses and temples adorned with exquisite Eastern-style carvings.
Details of the city remain well-preserved.
Moreover, being unaffected by factors such as rain, sun, or wind, the city has preserved everything from its walls and carved architecture to wooden beams and staircases.
The city features five entrance gates from various directions, wide streets, and archways adorned with stone carvings of lions, dragons, and numerous other historical symbols, all contributing to its mysterious and magnificent beauty lying beneath the lake.
Sketch of the city of Shicheng.
After 20 years of being discovered, this site has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors, especially divers and those eager to explore the ancient history and culture of China.
