Explore the Timeworn Remnants at the Sunken Lion City within Qiandao Lake
In the heart of Zhejiang Province, China, lies a captivating underwater world - the ancient cities of Shi Cheng (Lion City) and He Cheng, submerged beneath the sprawling freshwater expanse of Qiandao Lake. Qiandao Lake, also known as Thousand Island Lake, was created in 1959 as a result of the flooding of a valley to construct the Xin'anjiang Reservoir and Xin'an River hydroelectric station.
**History and Location**
Shi Cheng, a city over 1,300 years old, was originally built during the Eastern Han Dynasty. In a tragic turn of events, the city was intentionally flooded in 1959, along with He Cheng and 27 other towns and nearly 1,400 villages, to create the reservoir and hydroelectric station. The submerged city now rests approximately 130 feet underwater in Qiandao Lake.
Remarkably well-preserved, Shi Cheng's ruins feature streets, entrance gates, archways adorned with intricate carvings of lions, dragons, and phoenixes, as well as ancient walls dating back to as early as the 16th century. The city's preservation can be attributed to the protective effects of the water, which has kept the wood remarkably intact[1][2][3].
He Cheng, an even older city than Shi Cheng, was also submerged during the reservoir's creation. The flooding required the relocation of nearly 300,000 people to nearby provinces[1][5].
**Additional Information**
Qiandao Lake, a breathtaking sight above water, offers a unique underwater archaeological and tourist site in recent years. Shi Cheng's ruins, relatively free of growth and intact, provide divers with the rare opportunity to explore an ancient city preserved underwater[1][2][5].
Divers venturing into the chilly waters of Qiandao Lake are advised to wear wetsuits, as the water temperatures range from 45-60F (7-16C). For underwater photography, it is recommended to bring multiple lights, a mid-range lens or wide-angle lens, and to be prepared for limited visibility and backscatter[4].
Chinese characters can be seen carved into the walls of Lion City, providing additional context to the city's history[2]. Shi Cheng was unusual in that it had 5 city gates and towers, as opposed to the norm of 4[6]. He Cheng is believed to date back to the Han Dong dynasty (25 - 200 AD)[7].
In summary, Shi Cheng (Lion City) and He Cheng are ancient cities submerged in Qiandao Lake during the mid-20th-century flooding to form a reservoir and hydroelectric station. They remain well-preserved underwater, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese urban architecture beneath the lake's surface.
References: [1] https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shi-cheng-underwater-city [2] https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/lion-city-shi-cheng-underwater-china [3] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/asia/china/zhejiang-province/shi-cheng-underwater-city/ [4] https://www.divernet.com/destinations/asia/china/dive-qiandao-lake-thousand-island-lake-zhejiang-province/ [5] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/zhejiang-province/qiandao-lake [6] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/asia/china/zhejiang-province/shi-cheng-underwater-city/ [7] https://www.chinahighlights.com/zhejiang/qiandao-lake/shi-cheng.htm
- The ancient cities of Shi Cheng and He Cheng, submerged beneath Qiandao Lake, provide a unique macro setting for underwater photography.
- The chilly waters of Qiandoo Lake, with temperatures ranging from 45-60F, require divers to wear appropriate gear such as wetsuits.
- Utilizing a mid-range lens or wide-angle lens, along with multiple lights, can help capture the beauty of the underwater world in Qiandao Lake.
- Shi Cheng, known for its 5 city gates and towers, offers divers the opportunity to explore an ancient city while battling backscatter.
- Color correction and adjustments during editing are crucial for optimizing the exposure of the underwater scenes captured in Qiandao Lake.
- Taxonomy of the various species found in the freshwater and bluewater environments of Qiandao Lake adds depth to the underwater journey.
- Travel guides and adventurers often recommend a DSLR camera for capturing high-quality images during a trip to Qiandao Lake.
- To make the most of a dive in Qiandao Lake, focusing on the details, such as the intricate carvings on the walls of Lion City, is essential.
- A guide with experience in underwater photography can help divers make the most of their trip to Qiandao Lake, ensuring they capture the best images possible.
- Diving in Qiandao Lake is more than just a sport; it represents a lifestyle immersed in adventure-travel and the exploration of aquatic life.
- The underwater ruins of Shi Cheng and He Cheng serve as a reminder of the rich history that lies beneath the surface of Qiandao Lake.
- Shooting a series of stunning underwater photos of Shi Cheng and He Cheng is an unforgettable part of any diver's trip to witness the wondrous combination of history, culture, and marine life in Qiandao Lake.
