Shuixi Lake

Shuixi Lake

Shuixi Lake

Shuixi Lake Shuixi Lake is located within the territory of four counties in Bijie Prefecture, Guizhou Province: Dafang, Qianxi, Zhijin, and Nayong. It boasts a vast lake surface covering an area of 80.54 square kilometers, with the core area and development-protected zone spanning 150 square kilometers. The Shuixi Lake reservoir area falls within a subtropical plateau monsoon climate zone, with an average annual temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, making it a natural summer retreat. Originally formed as a reservoir after the construction of the Hongjiadu Hydropower Station dam, Shuixi Lake serves as the head reservoir of the upper reaches of the Wu River. The expansive, emerald-green waters of Shuixi Lake hold the geographical advantage of being at the heart of the birthplace of Shuixi culture. Leveraging its vast plateau lake, lush karst ecology, pristine natural environment, and rich ethnic culture and customs, the area aligns with provincial and regional goals to cultivate tourism as a follow-up pillar industry. This supports the optimization and integration of Bijie Prefecture’s tourism industry structure and functions, facilitating a shift in tourism offerings from single scenic sightseeing to multifunctional, in-depth leisure and resort experiences. Through systematic development and expansion, the area has been organized into a comprehensive tourism destination that primarily highlights multi-ethnic cultural experiences of the Shuixi region, eco-tourism, rural countryside charm, and vacation leisure. It also supplements these with hydroelectric science education tours and water-based recreational activities.

The scenery of Shuixi Lake is breathtaking. As the cruise boat glides along, the high mountains on both shores and the islands dotting the lake come vividly into view. Each displays its own unique posture and charm, lifelike and exquisitely rendered—some resembling an old man fishing, others a meditating monk; some a bold singer, others a thoughtful philosopher; some a graceful youth, others a maiden lost in springtime slumber; some a couple strolling under the moonlight, others a beauty gazing at her reflection in the water... Some stand, some walk, some run—all imbued with an indescribable magic. Upon closer appreciation, one’s spirit broadens and heart swells, as the lake and mountain vistas are adorned with indescribable beauty. Shuixi Lake lies like a vast green silk tapestry spread beneath the blue sky and white clouds, graceful and elegant. When the wind is still, its surface is smooth as a plain, spotlessly clean; when the wind stirs, its waves shimmer endlessly, rippling with emerald hues, inviting you to chase the surf. Here, “the emerald waters reflect beautiful dreams.” Being there feels like standing in a “sea amidst the mountains.”

Viewed from afar, Shuixi Lake resembles a massive green carpet. The color of the lake gradually shifts with distance: dark green, deep green, light green… Even more magical is how the lake water changes hues throughout the day, depending on the angle of the sun and the intensity of the light, presenting several distinct scenic views. Many are deeply moved by these shifting scenes, seeing in them symbols of life’s pursuits. At dawn, the lake glows golden, symbolizing wealth; at noon, it shimmers like jade, symbolizing preciousness; at dusk, it wears a blush of rouge, symbolizing charm; under the moonlight, it radiates silver, symbolizing peace. A single body of azure water offers such boundless insight and ever-changing beauty. Dreamlike and mysterious, Shuixi Lake inspires awe and reveals the infinite charm of nature.

The lake is green at all times, the mountains are green, the waters are green—even the air carries a tinge of green. Everyone who visits Shuixi Lake is struck by its verdancy. The “daughter green” described by Zhu Ziqing captivated many, but that was merely the green of a single pool—however stunning, it remained confined. In contrast, the “green” of Shuixi Lake is the “heroic green” of boundless breadth and sky-embracing grandeur—both bold and gallant, yet tender and compassionate. Only by coming to Shuixi Lake can one truly grasp the profound essence of this green within nature.

The mountains of Shuixi Lake carry an innate elegance and ease, and its waters possess a unique tranquility and serenity. Within this realm, birds and beasts seem to have found a paradise of joy. Their vitality reflects their trust and dependence on nature. Watch the egrets perched sporadically on the branches by the water, joyfully flapping and hopping about, carefree and lively—the raw, untamed beauty of nature comes alive here in delightful ways.

The beauty of Shuixi Lake lies in its vibrant vitality and the genuine connection between all living things. Who says flowing water is heartless or plants and trees know nothing? Every blade of grass, every tree, every bird and beast in Shuixi Lake is a life nurtured by its emerald waters and green mountains—life that feels.