Diving in Chine, the incredible site of Shi Cheng
Still little known to the general public, the incredible diving site of Shi Cheng in Chine has enough to captivate divers and explorers from around the world!
Still little known to the general public, the incredible diving site of Shi Cheng in Chine has enough to captivate divers and explorers from around the world! Submerged beneath the waters, it is a mysterious and ancient city that lies buried in Qiandao Lake. We tell you more about the origins and history of this Chinese diving site with a fairy-tale setting worthy of Atlantis…
Located 400 kilometers from Shanghai at the foot of Wu Shi mountain, lies Qiandao Lake, also known as the Lake of a Thousand Islands. And it is here that the ancient city from the Eastern Han Dynasty once stood. This city, built over 1,600 years ago (in 621 AD exactly), was a political, economic and cultural center of Zhejiang province. But more than 50 years ago, the City of Lions (Shi Cheng) was submerged beneath the lake's waters, giving way to one of the most mythical underwater cities…
A city consigned to the waters
The city of Shi Cheng was submerged in 1959 following the construction of a hydroelectric station on the Xian'an River. To build this artificial dam, the creation of the lake was necessary and thus the cities on the territory—such as the City of Lions and the ancient city of He Cheng—were flooded… In total, the surface area of this site can be estimated at the equivalent of 62 football stadiums. The two ancient cities were home to approximately 300,000 inhabitants spread across some thirty towns and more than 1,300 villages. That's how spectacular this place truly is…
Ruins to discover while diving
After being submerged, the ancient city of Shi Cheng remained unexplored and faded into obscurity. It wasn't until the year 2000, when local authorities decided to turn the lake into a site dedicated to water sports, that the City of Lions resurfaced. It was only in September 2001 that divers rediscovered this timeless place.
Since then, the site has attracted the interest of numerous divers, explorers, archaeology and history enthusiasts. And for good reason—this Chinese Atlantis submerged between 26 and 40 meters deep is remarkably well preserved. The buildings are virtually intact, and you can still discover the majestic entrance gates of the cities as well as the sublime arches and sculptures of lions and dragons. One thing is certain: the setting seems unreal…
Good to know:
Aware of the cultural, historical and economic potential of this ancient city, the Chinese government has conceived numerous projects concerning it. Among the most ambitious of these, one can cite the construction of a submarine or a glass elevator to submerge and visit the city. Or even the possibility of raising the city from the water and discovering it on land…
Projects that, for now, have not yet come to fruition and continue to add an air of mystery… In any case, we recommend you hurry if you wish to experience an extraordinary dive in Chine… Who knows, you might be among the last divers to discover the City of Lions!
Photo credits: Nihaopaul common Wikipédia / Shutterstock.com
Frequently asked questions
The city of Shi Cheng is immersed between 26 and 40 meters deep. It is therefore recommended to hold at minimum an Advanced Open Water (PADI) certification or equivalent, and to have experience with deep dives. A dive with a local guide familiar with the site is highly recommended.
Qiandao Lake is located approximately 400 kilometers from Shanghai, in Zhejiang province. It is accessible by bus or car from Hangzhou (approximately 2 hours). Local diving operators offer excursions to the site, notably from the town of Chunan.
The best diving conditions at Qiandao Lake are generally found in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when temperatures are more pleasant and underwater visibility is better. Summers can be hot and humid in this region of Chine.
Yes, the city of Shi Cheng is remarkably well preserved thanks to the particular conditions of Qiandao Lake. The buildings are virtually intact, and it is possible to admire the monumental entrance gates, carved arches as well as numerous representations of lions and dragons.
The city of Shi Cheng was intentionally flooded in 1959 during the construction of a hydroelectric station on the Xian'an River. The creation of the resulting artificial lake submerged several historical cities, including Shi Cheng (the City of Lions) and He Cheng, which together were home to approximately 300,000 inhabitants.
