A maze of white temples, memorial arches, paved roads, and houses... hidden 130 feet underwater: this is China's real-life Atlantis.The so-called Lion City, tucked in a lake between the Five Lion Mountain, was once Shi Cheng - the centre of politics and economics in the eastern province of Zhejiang.But in 1959, the Chinese government decided a new hydroelectric power station was required - so built a man-made lake.
![Metropolis: Shi Cheng, dubbed Lion City after the Lion Mountains that surround it, has lain hidden under 131 feet of water since 1959 to generate hydroelectric power]()
![Classical: The structures in Shi Cheng were built 1,300 years ago featuring traditional Chinese statues. Away from the wind and sun, it has remained intact]()
![Hidden: The city was once a political and economic hub for eastern China but after authorities built the man-made Qiandao Lake in 1959, it is nowhere to be seen]()
![Divers have rediscovered the opulent city and plan to bring tourists round]()
![Carvings: Visitors will be able to see the traditional engravings first-hand when guided by Qiu Feng and her team]()
![Before: This is a sketch of the city dating back hundreds of years, showing people pacing the streets and goods being carted in on horseback]()
Classical: The structures in Shi Cheng were built 1,300 years ago featuring traditional Chinese statues. Away from the wind and sun, it has remained intactWatch video
Hidden: The city was once a political and economic hub for eastern China but after authorities built the man-made Qiandao Lake in 1959, it is nowhere to be seen
Divers have rediscovered the opulent city and plan to bring tourists round
Carvings: Visitors will be able to see the traditional engravings first-hand when guided by Qiu Feng and her team
Before: This is a sketch of the city dating back hundreds of years, showing people pacing the streets and goods being carted in on horseback