The mystery behind China’s lost underwater city

To the naked eye, the lake in-between China’s Five Lion Mountain just looks like a typical body of water. But what lies beneath is ruins of a long lost civilisation, and China’s answer to Atlantis.

Shi Cheng, also known as ‘The Lion City’ was once the center of politics and economics in the eastern providence of Zhejiang.

For 53 years the Lion City was forgotten, and sat underwater while sea life and moss started to take over.

The city would’ve stayed afloat if it wasn’t for the Chinese Government.

In 1959, the Shi Cheng hydroelectric power needed to be built, which also meant a man-made dam was required.

The city was soon flooded and now sits 131 feet below what is now Qiandao Lake.

With its grand temples, lion statues and arches, it’s easy to mistake this underwater city for an elaborate movie set.

Despite its long life beneath sea-level, some of the city’s wooden structures have remained intact.

From the land, the city is nowhere to be seen, but in recent years’ divers have discovered the opulent city and plan on making it a tourist attraction.