Shi Cheng, also known as the Lion City, is a submerged city located in Qiandao Lake, China. The city was built over 1300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty and was flooded in 1959 to create an artificial lake and hydroelectric power station. The city remained hidden from the world for over 50 years until it was discovered by divers in 2001.
Today, Shi Cheng is a popular destination for divers who want to explore the ancient ruins and marvel at the remarkable detail that has been preserved underwater. The city is located at a depth of 26-40 meters and features stunning structures such as archways, temples, and even a lion statue. The water is crystal clear, providing excellent visibility for divers to explore the city’s intricate details.
For those looking for an adventure, diving in Shi Cheng is an experience like no other. The city’s rich history and underwater beauty make it a must-visit destination for divers and history enthusiasts alike.
History and Discovery
Ancient Origins of Shi Cheng
Shi Cheng, also known as Lion City, is an ancient underwater city located in the Zhejiang Province of China. It was built during the Eastern Han Dynasty between 25 AD and 200 AD, making it over 1,400 years old. The city was named Lion City after the nearby Wu Shi Mountain, which is also known as Five Lion Mountain. According to historical records, the city was quite large, possibly over 60 football fields, and featured 265 arches throughout the city.
Submersion by the Xin’an River Dam
In 1959, the Chinese Government decided to build a hydroelectric dam on the Xin’an River to provide power for the Zhejiang Province. The dam would flood the surrounding area, including the ancient city of Shi Cheng. The city was submerged under 40 meters of water, and remained hidden for over 50 years.
Rediscovery and Significance
In 2001, a team of divers from the Chinese National Geography magazine rediscovered the lost city. They found that the city was incredibly well-preserved, and many of the buildings and statues were still intact. The rediscovery of Shi Cheng has been significant for both historians and divers, as it provides a unique opportunity to explore an ancient city that has been lost for centuries.
The city’s rediscovery has also helped to promote tourism in the area, as many divers and tourists visit the city to explore its underwater ruins. The city’s rediscovery has also helped to shed light on the Han Dynasty and the history of the Zhejiang Province. He Cheng, the director of the Zhejiang Provincial Research Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, has called the city “an important discovery for archaeology and underwater cultural heritage protection.”
Diving into Shi Cheng
Shi Cheng, also known as Lion City, is an underwater city that dates back over 1,300 years. It is located in Qiandao Lake, Chun’an County, Zhejiang Province, China. Diving into this submerged city is an incredible experience that allows divers to explore ancient ruins and cultural relics.
Preparation for the Dive
Before diving into Shi Cheng, divers need to be adequately prepared. It is essential to have the right equipment, including dive lights, as visibility can be limited. The water temperature is around 4-10°C, so divers need to wear a dry suit or thick wetsuit. Diving operators such as Big Blue Scuba offer guided tours to the underwater city.
What Divers Can Expect to See
Diving into Shi Cheng is a unique experience that offers divers a glimpse into the past. The city is largely intact, with many of the structures, carvings, guardian lions, and arches still preserved. Divers can explore the ancient city gates in all directions and the five-story tall Shi Cheng Pavilion. The underwater city is also home to various fish species, including carp, catfish, and turtles.
Conservation and Safety Measures
To protect the ancient ruins and cultural relics, conservation and safety measures have been put in place. Divers are not allowed to touch or remove any artifacts from the underwater city. There are also strict regulations on the number of divers allowed in the area at any given time.
In addition, divers need to be aware of the thermocline, a layer of water where the temperature drops suddenly. It is essential to descend slowly and equalize regularly to avoid any accidents.
Diving into Shi Cheng is an unforgettable experience that combines history, culture, and adventure. It is a popular tourist attraction that attracts divers from all over the world.
Architectural Wonders Beneath the Water
Shi Cheng, also known as the Lion City, is a submerged city in China that has been preserved for over 50 years underwater. The city was founded over 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty and was once a bustling metropolis. Today, it is a popular diving destination for tourists who want to explore the ancient architecture and marvel at its well-preserved stonework and carvings.
Preserved Stonework and Carvings
One of the most impressive features of Shi Cheng is the well-preserved stonework and carvings that can be seen throughout the city. The intricate carvings on the walls and pillars tell the story of the city’s rich history and culture. Visitors can see the wooden beams that have been preserved over time and the intricate patterns that adorn the walls of the temples and buildings.
The Majestic Temples and Arches
The Lion City is home to many majestic temples and arches that are a testament to the city’s architectural prowess. The city has over 265 arches and staircases that lead visitors through the underwater maze of buildings. The temples are adorned with intricate carvings and statues that tell the story of the city’s past.
Diving into Shi Cheng is a unique experience that allows visitors to explore a lost city that has been preserved for centuries. The architectural wonders that lie beneath the water are a testament to the city’s rich history and culture.
Shi Cheng’s Role in Modern Tourism
Shi Cheng, also known as Lion City, is a submerged ancient city located in Qiandao Lake in Chun’an County, Hangzhou, China. The city has been underwater for over 50 years and has become a popular tourist attraction, especially for divers.
Attracting the Global Diving Community
Shi Cheng’s ruins are well-preserved, making it a unique underwater tourist attraction. Divers can explore the city’s streets, temples, and archways, which are still intact and visible underwater. The city’s underwater structures are breathtaking, and divers from all over the world come to explore the ruins. The Beijing Dragon Diving Club is one of the many diving clubs that offer diving tours to Shi Cheng.
Impacts on Local Economy and Awareness
Shi Cheng’s popularity has had a significant impact on the local economy. The city has become a significant tourist attraction, and local businesses have thrived due to the influx of tourists. The city’s popularity has also raised awareness of the importance of preserving historical sites and cultural heritage.
Shi Cheng is easily accessible from Shanghai, which has two international airports, Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Tourists can take a bus or taxi from the airport to Qiandao Lake and explore the city’s underwater ruins.
In conclusion, Shi Cheng’s ruins have become a popular underwater tourist attraction, attracting divers from all over the world. The city’s popularity has had a positive impact on the local economy and raised awareness of the importance of preserving historical sites.
Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by Cool Rad Weird