Shi Cheng, Chun’an County, Zhejiang, China. An ancient city, established about 1300 years ago, now lies at the 26-40 m depth underwater. The city and the valley were deliberately flooded in 1959 in order to create an artificial lake and hydroelectric power station. Now it could be a unique paradise for divers.
Surprisingly the city hasn’t eroded much and the buildings, walls, even wooden details remained. Currently a film crew is commissioned to record the ancient city. The archeologists are overwhelmed by how well preserved Shi Cheng is. However, there are no tourist facilities for diving, but hopefully in the future the site will be open for everyone to view.
Why to go there?
The artificial Qiandao Lake, also known as Thousand Island Lake, is an important tourist attraction in the province and serves as a recreational area. The mountainous landscape is indeed beautiful and worth visiting.
When to go there?
Anytime – the province drops in a subtropical climate zone, which has four distinct seasons. Fall is especially nice – dry, warm, sunny and colorful.
How to get there?
Buses from Hangzhou, Huangshan and Anhui go frequently to the lake.
Read more or book: Hilton Hangzhou Qiandao Lake Resort
Lead photo by Chinese National Geography
