DID YOU ever believe that Atlantis existed? You know, that infamous underwater city from the movies we loved as kids?
Well, it might not be so fictional after all.
Turns out, China has its own very real version, an ancient city just sitting at the bottom of a lake.
But wait, is that true?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Once a thriving city, Shicheng (which translates to "Lion City") was actually flooded on purpose in 1959 to make way for a new dam and hydroelectric station. The people who lived there had to be relocated, and the city was forgotten for decades... until explorers rediscovered it in 2001.
It now lies about 40m below the surface of Qiandao Lake.
After years of exploration, divers have shared photographs of the lost city.
Like many historical Chinese cities, it is complete with ornate archways, wide streets, and preserved stonework featuring carvings of lions, dragons, and phoenixes. These structures date back to the 16th century, with the city's origins tracing to even earlier dynasties.
The wildest part? After all this time underwater, Shicheng is amazingly well-preserved. The water actually protects it from wind and sun erosion, keeping it frozen in time.
These days, you can't just go for a swim to see it. To protect the site and because it's so deep, only experienced divers with the right permits are allowed to visit.
References:
https://www.scubadiving.com/lion-city-diving-underwater-city-chinas-qiandao-lake
https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/atlantis-of-the-east-a-perfectly-preserved-600-year-old-city-in-china-4658891
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20140711-chinas-atlantis-of-the-east
