Ancient Chinese ‘Lost City’ Discovered at Bottom of Lake—Untouched for Decades

Deep beneath the surface of Qiandao Lake, an ancient metropolis remains frozen in time, untouched by centuries of decay. Known as Shi Cheng or Lion City, this forgotten wonder has earned the nickname “China’s Atlantis”, drawing explorers and historians eager to uncover its secrets. But while its stunning preservation captivates the world, its past is steeped in controversy, forced displacement, and untold history.

A City Sacrificed for Progress

Shi Cheng was founded during the Tang Dynasty in 621 AD and flourished under the Ming and Qing dynasties. Once a bustling political and economic center in Zhejiang Province, it was known for its grand archways, intricate stone carvings, and five imposing city gates—an unusual feature in ancient Chinese city design.

But in 1959, a bold decision by the Chinese government changed its fate forever. To make way for a hydroelectric dam, Shi Cheng and nearby He Cheng, a city believed to date back to the Han Dynasty (25-200 AD), were intentionally flooded.Nearly 300,000 residents were forced to relocate, leaving behind a city that had thrived for over a millennium.

A Lost City, Rediscovered

For decades, Shi Cheng remained hidden beneath 40 meters of water, its existence nearly forgotten—until 2001, when an expedition confirmed that the city was not only intact but perfectly preserved.

Unlike ruins lost to wind, rain, and time, Shi Cheng’s submersion in freshwater shielded it from the elements, leaving entire streets, stone carvings, and inscriptions as sharp as the day they were made.

Interest in the sunken city surged in 2011, when Chinese National Geography published breathtaking images of the site. By 2017, the government had opened it up to elite divers, offering a rare glimpse into China’s past, untouched by modernity.

Your First Glimpse Of The Ruins Of Lion City Will Take Your Breath Away — Your first glimpse of the ruins of Lion City will take your breath away. Clear structures appear out of the dark waters as you approach with your lights. Thankfully the visibility at the ruins was much better than in the lagoon, topping out around 20-25 feet.

A Hidden World Beneath the Waves

Shi Cheng’s architecture, still largely unmapped and unexplored, spans an area estimated to be the size of 60 football fields. It contains at least 265 archways and ornate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and historic inscriptions, some dating back to 1777, reports the Daily Star.

Despite its growing fame, much of the city remains an unexplored mystery. Divers navigating its eerie, silent streets describe an experience like stepping into a forgotten kingdom, where time stands still.

But the lake is no casual tourist spot—only highly trained divers with deep-water and night-diving experience are permitted to explore its depths.

While It Can Be Easy To Stay Fixated Only On The Animal Carvings In The City — *While it can be easy to stay fixated only on the animal carvings in the city, Chinese characters can also be seen carved into the walls, giving further context to the city.*

The Future of China’s Atlantis

Declared a historical relic under Zhejiang Province’s protection in 2011, Shi Cheng is now a global diving attraction. However, its remote location and strict diving restrictions mean only a handful of people have truly seen its wonders firsthand.

Will Shi Cheng one day be fully mapped and explored? Could new technology allow non-divers to witness this hidden marvel?

For now, China’s Atlantis remains an enigmatic time capsule, waiting beneath the surface for the world to uncover its final secrets.