3. The Shocking Truth About the Ancient Underwater City
Beneath the travertine pools lies evidence of an advanced ancient civilization that predates the Qin Dynasty, challenging our understanding of Huanglong. Recent archaeological studies using ground-penetrating radar have uncovered the remains of a sophisticated underwater city with advanced water management systems far ahead of their time. Dating back to around 300 BCE, this discovery suggests that the ancient inhabitants developed engineering techniques to harness the mineral-rich streams. The most remarkable aspect is their system of channels and filters, which enhanced the natural travertine formation process, effectively "farming" the vibrant pools that later made the site famous. This finding contradicts the earlier assumption that Huanglong's pools were entirely natural formations. Evidence indicates that these ancient engineers understood concepts of mineral deposition and water flow that were not "rediscovered" by modern science until the 20th century. The layout of the underwater city reveals an organized society capable of supporting thousands of people, with distinct zones for living, worship, and what appears to be scientific research into the properties of the waters. This groundbreaking discovery has forced historians to reconsider the timeline of technological development in China and sparked intense scholarly debate about the true origins of Huanglong's iconic landscape.
Advertisement
