City walls  are still standing after 40 years beneath the water

The downtown area of Sui'an County is generally known as Shi City (city of lion literally in Chinese). Built 1,800 years ago in 208, the city is now located in the Maotoujian Region of the Thousand Islets Lake, 40 kilometers (km) from Thousand Islets Lake Village.

The tourism organizations of the Thousand Islets Lake had some experts and professional divers research the underwater cities in 2002. The researchers confirmed the specific location of the ancient city by using maps before and after the lake's formation, as well as information from various sources. Meanwhile, three diving spots were chosen. After the second dive, some exciting information reached the experts.

A section of the ancient city wall, which was built along the hill, was found 20 meters underwater. The wall, which was primarily believed to be the section around the west gate, was very well preserved. Also, some wall bricks, tiles and tableware were salvaged. On the third dive, a beam, bricks, walls and civil houses still intact were found 30 meters underwater.

Window lattice

The research was then ended to protect the safety of the divers, as at the time, although the lake surface temperature was 32 Celsius degrees, the underwater temperature was only 17.

This research unveiled the general situation of these underwater cities. Research and investigations followed. Experts reckon that these two relics are very possibly the best-preserved and largest clusters of ancient constructions.

The houses of the two ancient cities are made mostly of bricks, wood, stones and tiles. Modillions, painted walls, and well-regulated streets all characterize the cities with their own special flavors. In Chui'an City (He City), there is a 2.5km long avenue paved totally by stones. In Sui'an City (Shi City), there is also a well-organized transportation system including the East, West, North and Cross streets. Tall walls are built around the city for a defensive purpose.

Characters engraved on stones are still visible

The West Street is a major commercial street linking the West Gate and the County Yamen Gate in the city's center. Stores and residences abounded along it in history. Sonar detections demonstrated that a lot of tall buildings built in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties were still here.

Based on the photos and videos taken by divers and underwater robots, the outline of the West Street was generally intact. A thick layer of silt covered the four to five-meter-wide road. Historical records show that the street was once a commercial center that held a number of variety shops, old-style Chinese banking houses and restaurants.

But due to the many years of erosion by the stream current for many years, some houses have collapsed, leaving just their frame. But to the surprise of many, the divers discovered a few two-storied buildings were in very good condition although algae covered the walls and wooden windows. The outer walls were covered by cobbles.

Divers investigated one of the buildings. Inside some wooden stairs were still standing firmly. On the second floor, the furniture was in their original places. The divers even found some china and other everyday articles. The exquisite woodcarvings on the eaves demonstrated the consummate craftsmanship of the time. On the floor inside the room, a mouth leading to the basement was found, but for safety reasons, the divers did not go inside.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of text for non-commercial purposes is permitted provided that both the source and author are acknowledged and a notifying email is sent to us.