China’s Atlantis: See the Ancient Underwater City Submerged Deep Under a Chinese Lake

Majestic stone lions frozen in fierce expressions. Elaborate arches detailed with deep and intricate carvings. Ancient towers stretching toward the heavens. All of this resting silent and submerged in the clear waters of Qiandao Lake. The surreal underwater city of Shi Cheng, also known as Lion City, is one of China’s most expansive and well-preserved sunken cultural treasures. People often call this ancient city from another era “China’s Atlantis.” Here, we explore why it’s so-called. We explore how it came to be, and how Lion City was once lost and then found again.

The Genesis and Glory of Shi Cheng (Lion City)

The Chinese built Shi Cheng between 1,300 to 1,800 years ago, but its exact construction date remains elusive. (On dry land, not underwater, of course.) Some historians attribute its origin to the Eastern Han Dynasty (around 25 to 200 CE). But others point to the Tang Dynasty (around 618 to 907 CE). Still others argue that its creation fell somewhere between these two periods. Though archaeologists have yet to confirm, the evidence suggests it was built in stages. People likely constructed Lion City during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Then it was elevated it to county status during the later Tang Dynasty. The city’s glory days occurred between 1368 and 1644 during the early stages of the Ming Dynasty. It was likely during this period that builders erected the more intricate architectural features. These include such wonders as its intricate 265 archways and outer walls.

Whatever its construction date, the name Lion City clearly takes inspiration from the nearby Wushi Mountain, also known as “Five Lion Mountain.” With an area roughly equal to that of Singapore (another “Lion City”), it was both expansive and elaborate. Even more striking was its deviation from architectural norms of the time. While cities generally had four gates and towers, Lion City for reasons unknown harbored five, a unique and puzzling element.

The Rising Tides of Progress? The Deliberate Submersion of Shi Cheng and He Cheng

By 1959, China was under the governance of a unitary Maoist one-party socialist republic. This was led by figures like Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. The country was undergoing significant transformations, both in its urban centers and rural communities. These changes were part of China’s sweeping collectivization and industrialization campaigns, perhaps best exemplified by the Great Leap Forward. This was a campaign that unfortunately culminated in the Great Chinese Famine from 1959 to 1961.

During this period, planners conceived the Xin’an River hydroelectric station and Xin’anjiang Reservoir. This was a pivotal project in China’s aggressive drive toward industrialization. The government was acutely aware of what this project would cost in cultural and human terms. At the very least, it meant the submersion of ancient cities like Shi Cheng (Lion City) and He Cheng, along with 27 towns, 1,377 villages, and nearly 50,000 acres of farmland. In 2001, four decades after forcibly relocating a staggering 290,000 people, explorers rediscovered the underwater history of the area.

Despite their cultural significance, decision-makers deemed Lion City and He Cheng expendable in the context of China’s industrial revolution. Such decisions come layered with complexities and nuances. In this instance, the trade-off was between the preservation of a rich past and the construction of a promising future. While the decision brought about notable advancements, it also left behind an irreplaceable submerged legacy, reminding us of the constant tension between progress and heritage.

Qiandao Lake’s Ecosystem and Its Hidden City

Today, people commonly know the Xin’an River Reservoir as Qiandao Lake, or “Thousand Island Lake.” It embodies a range of ecological and cultural legacies that, along with its many islands, makes it extraordinary. Covering a vast expanse nearly equivalent to the size of 62 football fields, the lake holds a surface area of 573 square kilometers (221 square miles). Its waters sink to an average depth of 26 meters (85 feet), with the deepest point reaching 120 meters (394 feet). Furthermore, the lake can hold an astounding 17.8 cubic kilometers (4.3 cubic miles) of water in its basin.

Teeming with around 83 species of fish, the lake is home to a robust fishery and aquaculture industry. Due to its position between green mountains, and being within two hours’ drive from Shanghai, local call it the “Backyard Garden” for residents of the Yangtze River Delta region. In its clear waters, you’ll find economically valuable bighead carp, silver carp, and grass carp. Though rarer, gems like tuna, mandarin fish, and eel, call Qiandao home. Additionally, the lake houses 30,000 sturgeons, a species originally from Russia and Central Asia. They are bred specifically for the luxurious Kaluga Queen caviar.

Above the water, the lake reveals a panorama of 1,078 large islands and thousands of smaller ones. Each island forms part of an ecosystem where forests cover over 90% of the land. While some islands bear whimsical names like Bird Island and Monkey Island, others like Longshan Island stand out as former mountains.

Unseen Treasures

It’s strange to consider that, for decades, visitors enjoyed the lake’s tranquil surface oblivious to the underwater historical treasures. The remnants of two ancient cities, Shi Cheng (Lion City) and He Cheng, rested submerged at depths ranging from 85 to 131 feet (26 to 40 meters). The water serves as a natural preservative, protecting the cities from heat, wind, and rain. Further, its temperate water temperatures of around 75.9 to 82.8 degrees Fahrenheit (24.4 to 28.2 Celsius), may also play a role in the cities’ exceptional state of preservation.

But Qiandao Lake doesn’t just possess natural beauty and historical depth, it’s the stuff of life itself. The lake is one of the rare sources of water in the world that can claim a unique ability for natural oxidation and purification. Recognized as a national first-class water body, its water is of such high quality that it can be directly consumed. Interesting enough, this purity feeds into the production of the renowned Nongfu Spring brand of mineral water, a company owned by China’s richest man.

Diving into History: The Underwater Cities Get a Second Life

The story of Qiandao Lake’s submerged cities gained international attention in 2001, transforming from local legend into verifiable history. The shift began with Qiu Feng, a local tourism official. He chatted with a Beijing-based diving club about the prospect of underwater exploration. For the purposes of tourism, of course. Intrigued, the divers embarked on an underwater expedition. They not only located the sunken city but also retrieved a brick from its walls. This seemingly small act rippled through the local government, underscoring the incredible cultural treasures submerged beneath the lake.

In subsequent years, a series of dives unearthed a lost world. Dive by dive, they uncovered a labyrinth of streets and structures preserved in time. News spread rapidly, transforming what was once a watery enigma into a heralded historical site that now captivates historians, archaeologists, and tourists.

Dive Into History: Exploring Lion City Under Qiandao Lake

Fascinated by the sunken mysteries of Qiandao Lake’s Lion City? Your journey of discovery doesn’t have to halt at the water’s edge. Thanks to a green light from the government in 2014, adventure-seekers now have the unique opportunity to personally explore this underwater kingdom.

The Dive Experience 

Diving into Lion City is akin to a subaquatic expedition through time. This is less a recreational dive than a descent into a bygone era. Sitting between 85 to 131 feet (26 to 40 meters) below the surface, divers must possess the right training for such depths. Moreover, visibility can be inconsistent. Therefore, the site’s historical significance demands utmost respect and responsible behavior from divers.

Dive Operators and Packages 

Among the few who offer this unparalleled experience, Big Blue Scuba in Shanghai stands out. Their weekend packages offer round-trip transportation between Shanghai and Qiandao Lake. This includes diving essentials like tanks and weights, food, and local lodging. Optional services like Nitrox and gear rental are also available.

Environmental Considerations: Preparing for Qiandao Lake’s Diverse Underwater Conditions 

Before you even touch the water, it’s crucial to acquaint yourself with the variable environmental factors that Qiandao Lake presents. The lake’s water temperatures aren’t constant. They fluctuate between a comfortable 75.9 to 82.8 degrees Fahrenheit (24.4 to 28.2 Celsius). This range may seem narrow, but in the context of diving, it makes for a notably diverse underwater environment.

These temperature variations can influence your diving experience in a few important ways. First, they can affect your comfort level and, consequently, your overall dive time. Divers must adapt their wetsuit thickness and material to accommodate these fluctuations. While a thinner suit might suffice for the warmer range, the lower end of the temperature spectrum could require a thicker or even semi-dry suit for optimal thermal protection.

Secondly, these temperature changes can have an impact on underwater visibility. Warmer temperatures often encourage the growth of aquatic plants and algae, which could potentially reduce clarity. Conversely, the cooler range is generally associated with better visibility, offering a clearer window into the sunken wonders of Lion City.

Lastly, let’s not forget the potential effects on equipment. Scuba gear is sensitive to temperature changes, which could affect its performance. For example, regulators might require adjustment or special care when used in fluctuating conditions to prevent free flow or other malfunctions.

In essence, a dive into Qiandao Lake is just as much an adventure into history as it is into a dynamic natural setting. By preparing for this range of conditions, divers can ensure a safer and more rewarding experience. Further, this allows for a seamless blend of historical exploration and natural wonder.

Your Local Guide to Exploring Qiandao Lake

Boat Excursions 

No trip to Qiandao Lake is complete without sailing its waters. Home to over a thousand islands, boat tours provide an unparalleled view of this engineered wonder. Choose between private hires for a personalized journey or scheduled trips for a comprehensive vista.

Island Themes 

The lake is your oyster when it comes to themed islands. Whether you’re a bird watcher at Bird Island, a reptile enthusiast at Snake Island, or a playful adventurer at Monkey Island, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss Lock Island’s intricate puzzles or the nostalgia-filled Island to Remind You of Your Childhood.

Best Times to Visit

While Qiandao Lake is delightful year-round, spring and summer are ideal for those keen on outdoor activities like rafting. The landscape comes alive, enveloped in greenery. For clear skies and a serene ambiance, aim for September, a month that transforms the lake into a picture-perfect paradise.

China’s Atlantis: Caught in Webs of History, Progress, and Ethical Dilemmas

The Complexity of Preservation: The Conundrum of Lion City

Of course, Lion City isn’t merely an underwater spectacle. Rather, it’s a layered archive illustrating China’s complex relationship with its own history, especially amid rapid industrialization in the 20th century. Submerged for decades, this ancient city has become a focal point in heated discussions among various stakeholders about its conservation and potential utility.

Two Sides of the Coin: Museum vs. Attraction 

On one side of the debate are advocates for preserving Lion City as an underwater museum. To them, the sunken ruins represent an unparalleled time capsule, offering a rich, tactile avenue for historical inquiry. On the opposite side are those arguing for the city’s restoration as an underwater tourist magnet. By doing so, they contend that a surge of economic activity could be generated locally, elevating the site to international prominence.

The Moral Quandary: Heritage vs. Progress 

This debate extends beyond the boundaries of Lion City. It resonates within a broader conversation about how to balance historical conservation against relentless economic growth. Decision-makers didn’t submerge Lion City in isolation; they did it to make way for the Xin’an River hydroelectric station, a project designed to boost the regional economy. While this initiative met its immediate economic goals, it came at a steep cost. Nearly 300,000 people lost their homes, and a site of historical significance disappeared beneath the water, altering its accessibility forever.

A Cautionary Tale for the Global Stage 

In this light, Lion City serves as a poignant lesson in the costs of modernization. As nations worldwide grapple with the balancing act between industrial ambition and cultural heritage, this underwater relic stands as a somber testament to the consequences of such choices. To be sure, these consequences reverberate across generations.

As these complex debates continue to evolve, Lion City remains ensnared in a web of past, present, and future considerations. Whether Lion City remains a silent underwater museum or undergoes transformation for economic benefits, its very existence embodies the ongoing struggle between the forces of preservation and progress.

Conclusion

The mystique and awe inspired by Lion City, its deliberate sacrifice in the name of progress, and the subsequent rediscovery and deep interest in it, poses questions that extend beyond its stone boundaries. As we consider the future of China’s Atlantis, we confront the delicate equilibrium between development and preservation. In a world that has already lost so much, Lion City serves as a powerful reminder that progress should not come at the expense of our cultural heritage. It calls for a thoughtful approach towards urban planning. Finally, it exhorts us to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the beauty and history that lie beneath the surface. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © ABCDstock/Shutterstock.com