Dian Kingdom

The Dian people lived between the fifth century BC and the first or second century AD in the northern Yunnan province of China, around Lake Dian, also known as Kunming Lake. They spoke a language related to Tibetan and Burmese and were accomplished artisans, producing intricate sculptures and vessels made of bronze.

Lake Fuxian has long been the centre of speculation after divers noticed stone blocks on the lake bed, spread over a distance of 2.4 square kilometres, forming walls, stone steps and other man-made constructions. Local legends have told stories about the city under the lake, but scientific tests at the site haven't been conclusive. One theory suggests the site could be the lost city of Yuyuan, said to have been lost several centuries ago. Carbon dating tests on material found in situ suggest the site could be much older and could date back 1750 years, which would mean it is not Yuyuan.

It is possible the site is the Dian city that was lost some time after 86 BC. It is thought that the city was destroyed by an earthquake and flood that killed all of the city's inhabitants in 110 AD. The Dian were an advanced culture and became part of the Han dynasty in 109 BC.