Man-made Qiandao Lake, in the Chinese province of Zhejiang, looks like any other picturesque lake at first glance. It’s glassy surface is dotted with small, green islands, expensive houses line its banks and fishing boats can be seen bobbing on the calm waters on a daily basis.

But beneath the towering mountains that envelop this modest lake lies a secret. In 2001, divers accidently uncovered an expansive, ancient city lying dormant 40 metres beneath the still surface. Dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-200), the perfectly preserved antique city – dubbed Shicheng or ‘Lion City’ – is as large as 62 football fields and boasts incredibly intricate architecture.

Adventurous travellers who decide to take the plunge and explore the attraction (with one of the many companies operating tours in the region) can expect to be awed by its 265 arches, five city gates, lengthy stone streets and ornate carvings.

According to reports, a purpose-built submarine has been designed and built to run tours around the ancient city, but it is yet to be used due to concerns regarding damage to the ruins.

 

Images by Chinese National Geography