Daka Lake Tourist Scenic Area

Daka Lake Tourist Scenic Area

Daka Lake Tourist Scenic Area

Daka Lake is a large artificial lake characterized by its picturesque mountain and lake scenery, also known as Daka Reservoir, named after the former residence of Shi Dakai, the Wing King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. The reservoir is located in Qishi Township, Gangbei District, Guigang City, about 30 kilometers from the city center, with an asphalt road leading directly to the lakeshore. The dam was built and water stored in 1958, cutting off the northward-flowing Malai River. High gorges gave way to a flat lake, with the total lake area covering approximately 80 square kilometers and the water surface about 20 square kilometers, more than three times the size of Hangzhou’s West Lake. The lake has depths ranging from dozens to over a hundred meters and stores 391 million cubic meters of water. Daka Lake features numerous islands, bays, and branches, renowned for its beautiful waters, scenic mountains, unique springs, and extraordinary people. With mountains in the lake, lakes beyond the mountains, and a harmonious interplay of lake and mountain views, it is acclaimed as "a lake of a hundred islands and a thousand beautiful hills."

Daka Lake boasts over 200 large and small islands, each uniquely shaped, like emerald jewels inlaid in the blue waters and sky, exuding a distinctive charm. Among the islands resembling galloping lions, lying dragons, lumbering oxen, prancing horses, and flying pairs of swallows, the most beautiful is the "Lovers' Island." Two islands lying in the lake, each with distinct shapes, resemble human figures. From a distance, they look like a pair of lovers locked in an affectionate embrace. Legend has it that these were the Jade Boy and Golden Girl from heaven, who were so captivated by the beauty of this place that they chose not to leave, transforming into these forms.

"Mist and rain ripple across the lake, the beauty of a thousand hills cannot be contained." This is another unique spectacle of Daka Lake. In the early morning, the mist rising from the lake veils the myriad peaks and ridges in a mysterious cloak, appearing faintly amid the sea of fog, delicate and distant. When the fog lifts and the clouds disperse, the beautiful peaks emerge clearly before visitors, some close like green pearls, others distant like blue screens. Some pierce the sky, others seem to dance gracefully, while some peaks feature rainbow bridges suspended in mid-air and plank walkways stretching across, creating a spectacular sight.

To the east of the lake lies Shima Mountain, famed for being the burial site of Shi Dakai’s ancestors. The shape of Shima Mountain resembles a warhorse soaring through the air, with its left side like a battle flag unfurling, its right like thunderous war drums, its front like a general raising his sword, and its back like thousands of soldiers gathered around—truly a magnificent scene. It echoes the grandeur of the Wing King leading tens of thousands of troops out of Longshan and marching into the Central Plains. A poem praises: "The scenery of Shima Mountain is splendid, bearing a flying horse returning to the western isle. Wild winds whistle and stir its mane, yet the iron whip strikes in vain—it will not turn back."

Mount Guanyin, at an elevation of 900 meters, is said to be the incarnation of Guanyin’s twin sister. To the north lies Baihua Mountain, vibrant and colorful, celebrated as "nine lotus flowers atop one peak, seven stars cradling the moon to adorn a fair maiden. The Heavenly Empress builds her immortal bridge beneath, with two rivers encircling the golden dragon," believed to be the traces left by nine heavenly maidens and seven handsome youths who once played here.

"A thousand streams flow like emerald jade, a single lake shimmers with silver light." Daka Lake is clear and pristine, its soft water nourishing to the body. Legend has it that when Emperor Qianlong traveled to the south, he visited the Daka Lake area, took a liking to a local maiden, and brought her back to the capital, causing all the palace beauties to pale in comparison. Thus, the "Beautiful Maiden of Longshan" became famous throughout the land. Thereafter, officials from the imperial court down to wealthy local landlords flocked here in search of beauty, arriving daily with thousands of horses and carriages. Over time, this frequented passage trod a path for the Malai River.

The Daka Lake area has several miraculous springs. The spring water from Dajian Mountain, when used to cook porridge, remains unspoiled for four days; when used to brew wine, it does not cause a hangover; and when used to steep tea, it imparts an unusually fragrant aroma. In the middle of the lake lies the Tanliang Spring, said to be where immortals placed agarwood from heaven beneath the lake. Fish passing through this spring gain an exceptionally fragrant and sweet taste. When this spring flows into the vast Daka Lake, it enhances the lake’s waters, making the fish, shrimp, crabs, and turtles here particularly sweet and delicious. This has also contributed to the rapid development of freshwater fish farming in the lake today.

Leaning on the railing and reflecting on the past, Daka Lake stirs deep thoughts. Named after the former residence of Shi Dakai, the Wing King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom located in the middle of the lake (now submerged), the lake is steeped in history. On the island where the Wing King's residence once stood, three stone tablets commemorate Shi Dakai’s life and great achievements. To the east of Daka Lake, in Pingzhi Village, stands a well-preserved "Wing King Residence," a typical late Qing Dynasty civilian house built by Shi Dakai’s son, featuring a grand scale and majestic presence. The residence includes three halls, six courtyards, and 28 rooms. The ancestral tomb of Shi Dakai on the mountainside of Shima Mountain remains intact, naturally shaped like a massive half-rock sphere. Additionally, according to the historical text "New Nantang Poetry · Geographic Records," the present-day Qingtan Village in Xinqing Township, Qishi Township, by the lake, was once the site of Longshan County during the Sui Dynasty, elevated to Longshan Prefecture in the Tang Dynasty. Today, remnants such as bricks, tiles, stone carvings, ceremonial archways, and plaques gifted by the imperial court can still be faintly seen, offering a glimpse of the legacy of the Sui and Tang dynasties.

The beauty of Daka Lake is closely tied to the warm and hospitable nature of its local people. Visiting Daka Lake, no matter which village, home, or household you enter, you will be warmly welcomed. Villagers will offer their finest mountain tea, sing heartfelt welcoming mountain songs, serve lavish "Wing King Banquets," and share specially brewed "Wing King Liquor," allowing you to experience the unique warmth and kindness of the Zhuang people. If you visit during Zhuang festivals, you’ll encounter vibrant activities like mountain song duets, shuttlecock throwing, and bamboo pole competitions in every village, offering a refreshing and lively experience. The legendary beauty of ancient maidens, the heroic exploits of kings and generals, and the fearless valor and righteousness of the Zhuang people have left a lasting legacy in the green mountains and clear waters of Daka Lake, enhancing the landscape with a heroic spirit and radiant human brilliance, cultivating the sentiments of every visitor.

Shi Dakai (1831–1863), nicknamed Yada and also known as Shi Gandang, was a Hakka from Guixian (now Guigang) in Guangxi. He was a famed general of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, a renowned military strategist, politician, and martial arts master in modern China. Initially appointed as the "Left Army Commander and Wing King," he was later titled "Holy Divine Lightning Commander and Wing King" following the Tianjing Incident, and revered by both civilians and soldiers as the "Righteous King" (though he modestly declined the title). Shi Dakai was one of the most legendary figures of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. At sixteen, he was "summoned to rise"; by nineteen, he commanded armies; at twenty, he was made a king; and he was executed heroically at just thirty-two. His military achievements were countless, and he repeatedly... More details on Shi Dakai++

Qishi Township: Located in the northern part of Gangbei District, Guigang City, Qishi Township is 30 kilometers from the urban area of Guigang. It borders Guiping City to the east, Wuxuan County to the north, and Zhongli Township to the south. The township governs 11 administrative villages and 83 natural hamlets, with a total population of 26,000, 90% of whom are Zhuang people, and 80% of whom are migrants from the Daka Reservoir area. Covering a total area of 142 square kilometers, the township includes 150,000 mu of mountainous land and 28,000 mu of water area.

Qishi Township is known for its beautiful mountains and clear waters, and for being a land of exceptional people. Daka Reservoir, hailed as the "Lake of a Thousand Islands," features rippling waters and a dazzling array of lake and mountain scenery, with... More details on Qishi Township++