Shicheng Underwater Ancient City
Explore Shicheng, a submerged ancient city in Qiandao Lake, China. Dive into history or view ruins from glass-bottom boats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer waters, pleasant weather
Shicheng Underwater Ancient City
Best Time
Clearer waters, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Shicheng, a submerged ancient city in Qiandao Lake, China. Dive into history or view ruins from glass-bottom boats.
"A man-made lake offering plenty of activities and a unique underwater ancient city."
Book Dive Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for an unforgettable underwater journey into Shicheng. :admission_tickets:
Check Visibility Conditions
Visibility varies; inquire locally for the best diving experience. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Submerged City Structures
Qiandao Lake
Explore ancient streets, archways, and buildings preserved beneath the waves. A truly unique historical dive.
Ancient City Walls
Qiandao Lake
Witness the impressive scale of the city's defensive walls, now a silent testament to its past grandeur.
Preserved Architecture
Qiandao Lake
Marvel at the intricate details of temples and homes, frozen in time beneath the lake's surface.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive into Mystery
Plan Your Underwater Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Dive Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for an unforgettable underwater journey into Shicheng. :admission_tickets:
Check Visibility Conditions
Visibility varies; inquire locally for the best diving experience. :ocean:
Consider Glass-Bottom Boats
A great alternative if diving isn't for you. See the city from above! :boat:
Explore Qiandao Lake's Islands
Combine your visit with island hopping for a full lake experience. :island:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Dive Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for an unforgettable underwater journey into Shicheng. :admission_tickets:
Check Visibility Conditions
Visibility varies; inquire locally for the best diving experience. :ocean:
Consider Glass-Bottom Boats
A great alternative if diving isn't for you. See the city from above! :boat:
Explore Qiandao Lake's Islands
Combine your visit with island hopping for a full lake experience. :island:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Qiandao Lake's beautiful, expansive man-made landscape and the unique opportunity to see the submerged Shicheng ancient city. Many enjoy the various activities available, from boat cruises to water sports, making it a relaxing holiday destination. However, some note that underwater visibility can be a challenge for divers.
"Qiandao Lake (simplified Chinese: 千岛湖; traditional Chinese: 千島湖; pinyin: Qiāndǎo Hú; lit. 'Thousand Island Lake') is a man-made freshwater lake located in Chun'an County, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, that was formed after the completion of the Xin'an River hydroelectric station in 1959."
Lagreen Distribution & Engineering Consultancy
"Beautiful landscape and lake."
W. B.
"Nice holiday destination"
jerry jiang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shicheng is located in Qiandao Lake, Zhejiang Province, China. You'll typically need to travel to Hangzhou first, then take a bus or train to Chun'an County. From there, local transport or pre-booked tours will take you to the lake for boat access to the underwater city sites.
The most common route is flying into Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), then taking a high-speed train or bus to Chun'an County. The journey from Hangzhou to Chun'an takes approximately 1-2 hours. [^reviews]
Direct transport to the underwater city itself isn't available as it's submerged. You'll need to reach Qiandao Lake and then arrange for boat tours or diving excursions that go to the specific submerged locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you'll need to purchase entry tickets for Qiandao Lake scenic area and potentially separate tickets or tour packages for boat trips or diving excursions to view the underwater city. Booking in advance is recommended.
The underwater city itself doesn't have traditional opening hours as it's submerged. However, boat tours and diving operations typically run during daylight hours. It's best to check with tour operators for their specific schedules.
Costs vary depending on your chosen method of viewing. Diving tours will be more expensive than glass-bottom boat tours. Expect to pay for Qiandao Lake entrance fees, boat/dive tour fees, and potentially equipment rental if diving.
Yes, many tour operators and the official Qiandao Lake scenic area offer online booking options. This is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid disappointment. [^reviews]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most immersive way is by diving to explore the submerged structures up close. Alternatively, glass-bottom boat tours offer a good view from above the water, making it accessible for non-divers. +1
You can expect to see ancient streets, stone archways, building foundations, and possibly remnants of temples and homes. The city was flooded in 1959, preserving much of its original architecture.
Visibility can be variable, ranging from poor to moderate depending on weather conditions and recent rainfall. It's advisable to inquire about current conditions before booking a dive.
While diving is for certified divers, families can enjoy the experience via glass-bottom boat tours. The surrounding Qiandao Lake also offers many family-friendly activities. [^reviews]
A dedicated visit to see the underwater city via boat tour might take 2-3 hours. If you're diving, factor in travel time to the dive site, the dive itself, and post-dive activities, which could take half a day.
📸 📸 Photography
Underwater photography requires specialized equipment and skills. For surface photography, the panoramic views of Qiandao Lake and the surrounding islands are stunning. Boat tours offer opportunities to capture the lake's beauty.
Yes, glass-bottom boats allow you to capture images of the submerged city. Be mindful of reflections on the glass and try to shoot at angles that minimize them for clearer shots.
For underwater photography, a waterproof camera or a camera in a waterproof housing is essential. Consider wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the submerged city.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a family-friendly boat tour that includes stops at some of the lake's islands. Many offer amenities and activities suitable for children. The overall experience of Qiandao Lake is relaxing and visually appealing, providing a good backdrop for a family vacation.
🤿 Certified Divers
It's recommended to book your dives in advance, especially during peak seasons. Discuss your experience level with the dive center to ensure they can match you with a suitable dive plan. The historical significance and the sheer scale of the submerged city make it a memorable dive for enthusiasts.
📸 Photographers
For those on glass-bottom boats, experiment with shooting angles to minimize reflections and capture clear images of the submerged city. The interplay of light and water can create dramatic and ethereal shots of the ancient ruins.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Flooding of Shicheng
The city's strategic location and its historical significance are now being rediscovered through underwater exploration. The scale of the city, with its intact streets, archways, and buildings, offers a glimpse into life centuries ago. The preservation is remarkable, with many structures still recognizable, providing a hauntingly beautiful spectacle for those who venture beneath the waves.
While the primary access is through diving, glass-bottom boat tours provide an alternative for those who prefer to stay dry. These tours allow visitors to peer into the depths and witness the submerged ruins without needing diving certification. The experience, though less intimate than diving, still offers a profound connection to this lost civilization.
Diving and Exploration
When planning a dive, ensure you have the appropriate certification and experience for the conditions. Many dive operators in the Qiandao Lake area offer guided dives to Shicheng. They can provide essential information on safety protocols, the best entry points, and what to expect during the dive.
For those not interested in diving, glass-bottom boat tours are an excellent alternative. These tours glide over the submerged city, allowing passengers to view the ruins through the transparent floor of the boat. It's a fantastic way to appreciate the scale and layout of Shicheng without getting wet, making it accessible for a wider range of visitors.
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