Hundreds of sightseers visiting have reported spotting a black monster with a horse-like head in a deep volcanic lake near China's border with North Korea.

Chinese state media reports, eagerly passed on by local tourism authorities, say the Chinese "Loch Ness monster" appeared twice recently in Tianchi Lake, in north-eastern Jilin province.

A Chinese paper has quoted local tourism official Meng Fanying as saying that in the latest sighting, the creature appeared just 10 metres from the bank, jumping out of the water from time to time "like a seal".

Rumours that the 373-metre deep lake harbours some sort of monster have been circulating for more than a century, the paper said.

However, scientists dismiss the reports, saying volcanic eruptions happening as recently as 300 years ago would make life extremely hazardous for any animal making the lake its home.

Local monster fans are unfazed by the scepticism and have even started the Tianchi Monster Society, the paper reported.

The Tianchi monster is not the only "Nessie" said to be living in China.

The marine life of Hanas Lake, in north-western Xinjiang region, reputedly includes a 10-metre long salmon species that attacks both people and cattle.

• Story originally published by:
ABC News / Australia - July 31.02

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