Thousand Island Lake

Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang is a place where nature’s beauty hides ancient secrets. Known as the “Thousand Island Lake,” it boasts more than 1,000 emerald islets scattered across crystal-clear waters. Beneath its calm surface lies the legendary Lion City, a 1,300-year-old metropolis perfectly preserved underwater — a true Atlantis of the East. Whether you’re cruising, diving, or simply soaking in the tranquil scenery, Qiandao Lake feels like stepping into another world.

The Lion City (狮城 / Shī Chéng), also called Shi Cheng, is one of China’s most fascinating hidden treasures — a real-life “Atlantis of the East.” Here’s its history:

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🏯 Origins
• Built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–200 CE), Lion City was a thriving cultural, political, and economic hub in Zhejiang Province.
• It sat at the foot of Wu Shi Mountain (Five Lion Mountain), which is how it got its name.
• At its peak, it had grand arches, temples, pavilions, roads, and intricate carvings that reflected traditional Chinese architecture.

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🌊 Submersion
• In 1959, during China’s rapid modernization, the government built the Xin’an River Hydroelectric Station — the country’s first large dam project.
• To create Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake), the valley was deliberately flooded.
• As a result, Lion City was submerged under 40 meters (130 ft) of water, along with several other ancient towns.

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🔍 Rediscovery
• For decades, Lion City remained forgotten until 2001, when divers rediscovered it.
• To their surprise, the city was astonishingly well preserved: walls, gates, stone carvings, and even wooden structures remained intact because the water shielded them from wind and erosion.

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🐉 Today
• Lying silently beneath Qiandao Lake, Lion City is now one of the world’s most spectacular underwater heritage sites.
• Specialized diving tours allow adventurous travelers to explore its arches, temples, and carvings, frozen in time for over 1,300 years.
• It is often called China’s Atlantis, blending history, mystery, and natural beauty.

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✨ Fun fact: Because of its preservation, Lion City is now considered one of the best examples of underwater archaeology in the world.

Highlights from Qiandao Lake

• Island Hopping – Explore clusters of lush islands, each with its own charm, from Monkey Island to Snake Island.
• Lion City Underwater Ruins – Dive or take a glass-bottom boat to glimpse the submerged city’s stone arches and carvings.
• Scenic Cruises – Sail across jade-green waters, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
• Local Delicacies – Taste fresh fish head soup, a regional specialty you won’t forget.

🌟 Travel Tips
• Best Time to Visit: March–November for mild weather and lush scenery.
• How to Reach:
• From Hangzhou: About 2 hours by bus from Hangzhou West Bus Station to Qiandao Lake Town. High-speed trains from Hangzhou to Chun’an (Qiandao Lake Station) take just over 1 hour.
• From Shanghai: Around 3–3.5 hours by high-speed train to Qiandao Lake Station.
• By Car: Driving from Hangzhou is straightforward and offers scenic countryside views.
• Activity Tip: Try diving tours for a close encounter with the submerged Lion City — truly one of a kind!

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