After 50 years of hiding in the lake bed, the city dating back 1,300 years, known as the “Atlantis of the East” in China, still retains its full mystery and magnificence.
Tiandao is an artificial lake formed in 1959 located in Zhejiang province, China.
According to the name Thien Dao, the lake has an area of 573 km and contains 1,078 large and small islands scattered throughout. However, the scenery here cannot be compared with the magnificent ancient city right at the bottom of the lake, which is known as the “Atlantis of the East”.
The “missing” city of Shi Cheng – Treasures in the lakebed
About 1,300 years ago, the city of Shi Cheng was built at the foot of Mount Wushi, during the Eastern Han period.
At that time, the city was considered a political and economic center in eastern Zhejiang province with a population density of up to 290,000 people.
“Atlantis of the East” is overwhelmed by its ancient and mysterious look.
However, when China carried out the project to build the Tan An dam at Tiandao Lake in 1959, the city was unfortunately submerged under water and has been lying in the riverbed ever since.
In 2001, after a long search, experts discovered structures lying under the lake. Finally, a team of professional divers from the city of Shanghai found Shicheng lying “submerged” at a depth of 40 meters.
After more than 50 years, the ruins of this city have become the version of the kingdom of Atlantis and are part of the collection of world wonders in miniature in China.
Mysterious “time box”
Although forgotten for several decades, the city of Shi Cheng still retains many intact buildings and temples, ornately decorated with intricate carvings boldly oriental.
Moreover, being unaffected by factors such as rain, sun or wind, this place remains intact from the walls, the carved architecture to the wooden lagoons and stairs.
Accordingly, the city also has up to 5 entrance gates from all directions, wide roads or archways decorated with stone statues carved with lions, dragons and many other historical symbols with a mysterious beauty , splendid right under the lake.
After 20 years of discovery, this project has become a popular tourist destination attracting tourists, especially divers and tourists who are passionate about learning about China’s ancient history and culture.
