The creation of Qiandao Lake, a celebrated scenic area, resulted from the construction of China's first hydroelectric power facility, the Xin'an River Dam. While this engineering marvel brought forth a stunning landscape, it also led to the inundation of countless historical settlements. Among these submerged sites is the ancient Lion City, the erstwhile administrative center of Suian County, a testament to a bygone era now resting silently beneath the lake's tranquil surface. Exploring these underwater ruins offers a unique glimpse into a rich cultural heritage, meticulously preserved by the aquatic environment and kept alive through the vivid recollections of the region's elderly inhabitants. Such expeditions, combining subaquatic photography with in-depth interviews, aim to reconstruct the vibrant past of these lost communities.
The Aquatic Veil: Unveiling Ancient Urban Structures
Fifty years ago, the construction of China's inaugural hydroelectric power station, the Xin'an River Dam, led to the creation of the renowned Thousand Island Lake. This vast body of water, however, submerged numerous ancient towns and villages. Today, the remnants of these once thriving communities, including the "Lion City" (former Suian County seat), lie preserved beneath the surface, accessible only through underwater exploration and the fading memories of former residents.
The underwater city of Lion City, the former Suian County seat, remains remarkably intact beneath the waters of Qiandao Lake. This ancient urban center was once protected by five gates, each crowned with a towering gatehouse, and fortified with eight watchtowers along its walls. Its network of six main thoroughfares—East, North, Straight, West, Cross, and South Streets—were meticulously paved with large flagstones from Tea Garden Town, bordered by smoothly rounded pebbles from the Wuqiang Stream, and set with fine sand and lime, creating a durable and aesthetically pleasing streetscape. The city's preservation under the lake offers an unparalleled opportunity to study ancient Chinese urban planning and architecture in a unique, submerged context, providing a tangible link to a vibrant past that continues to intrigue historians and adventurers alike.
Historical Roots and the Birth of a Lake
The historical tapestry of this region stretches back over 18 centuries, to the tumultuous Three Kingdoms period, a time characterized by widespread conflict and territorial disputes. It was amidst this chaos that the formidable Eastern Wu general, He Qi, after a series of fierce engagements against local warlords and the indigenous Shanyue people, successfully secured the expansive territories surrounding She County. His strategic victories earned him commendation from Sun Quan and a promotion to the esteemed rank of “Wei Wu Zhong Lang Jiang.”
With a military map spread before him, the newly elevated General He, brimming with newfound authority, decisively placed two chess pieces on the map, thereby designating the administrative centers for what would become Chun'an and Suian counties. This act, seemingly simple, laid the groundwork for future settlements. Centuries later, these historical foundations would face an unprecedented transformation. The ambitious project to construct the Xin'an River Dam, designed to harness the power of the river, led to the purposeful inundation of these ancient lands. The creation of Qiandao Lake, while an engineering marvel, effectively preserved these historical sites beneath its depths, turning the former county seats into a submerged relic, forever intertwined with the lake's modern identity.