Daka Lake Tourist Scenic Area

　　Daka Lake is a large artificial lake celebrated for its scenic combination of lakes and mountains. Also known as Daka Reservoir, it was named after the former home of Shi Dakai, the Wing King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. The reservoir is located in Qishi Township, Gangbei District, Guigang City, 30 kilometers from the urban area, with an asphalt road leading directly to the lakeshore. Built in 1958, the dam impounds water from the northward-flowing Malai River, creating a vast flat lake from high gorges. The lake area spans approximately 80 square kilometers, with a water surface covering about 20 square kilometers—over three times the size of Hangzhou’s West Lake. With depths ranging from dozens to over a hundred meters, it holds 391 million cubic meters of water. Daka Lake is famed for its many islands, bends, and branches, and is well-known for its beautiful waters, elegant mountains, unique springs, and illustrious people. The interplay of shimmering waters, surrounding hills, and scattered islets creates a landscape often described as “one lake, a hundred islets, and a thousand beautiful peaks.”

　　Daka Lake has over 200 islands of varying sizes, each uniquely shaped like emeralds inlaid in sapphire waters and blue skies, offering distinctive charm. Among the islands resembling galloping lions, lying dragons, sturdy oxen, rearing horses, or flying pairs of swallows, the most beautiful is “Lovers’ Island.” Two islands lying in the lake take on different forms, closely resembling human figures. From a distance, they look like a pair of lovers locked in an affectionate embrace. Legend says these are the forms taken by a heavenly boy and girl who were so captivated by the lake’s beauty that they chose to stay, becoming immortals in human shape.

　　“Mist and rain ripple the lake, while a thousand emerald peaks cannot be concealed.” This is another unique scene of Daka Lake. At dawn, the rising mist veils the countless peaks and ridges in mystery, appearing faintly within the foggy sea, delicate and distant. When the fog lifts, the beautiful mountains become vividly clear to visitors—some resemble emerald beads up close, others appear as blue screens from afar. Some soar straight into the clouds, some seem to dance lightly, and between certain peaks, rainbow-like bridges hover above the water, with plank walkways soaring across, forming a spectacular sight.

　　To the east of the lake lies Shima Mountain, renowned for being the burial site of Shi Dakai’s ancestors. The mountain resembles a warhorse soaring through the sky, with its left side looking like battle flags unfurled, the right resembling thundering war drums, the front like a general raising his sword, and the rear as if thousands of troops are gathered behind—truly a majestic scene. It echoes the historic moment when the Wing King led tens of thousands of soldiers out of Longshan and marched into the Central Plains. A poem praises: “Shima Mountain’s scenery is fine, bearing a flying steed returning west. Wild winds howl and stir its mane, iron whips strike but it won’t turn.”

　　Mount Guanyin, at an elevation of 900 meters, is said to be the incarnation of Guanyin’s twin sister. To the north is Baihua Mountain, vibrant and colorful, celebrated in verse: “Nine lotuses on one peak, seven stars with the moon cradle a fair maid. The Heavenly Empress’ immortal bridge lies beneath, two rivers wind around the golden dragon,” believed to be the traces of nine celestial maidens and seven earthly youths who once played here.

　　“A thousand streams flow like jade, a single lake gleams with silver.” Daka Lake is clear and pristine, its soft water nourishing to the body. Legend says that when Emperor Qianlong toured the south, he visited Daka Lake, fell for a local maiden, and took her to the capital, causing all the imperial concubines to pale in comparison. The “Beautiful Girl of Longshan” thus became famous throughout the land. Thereafter, both high-ranking officials and wealthy locals flocked here in search of beauty, with horse carriages arriving daily in great numbers. Over time, this traffic trod out the Malai River.

　　The Daka Lake area boasts several unusual springs. The spring water from Dajian Mountain, when used to cook porridge, stays fresh for four days without souring; when used to brew wine, it doesn’t cause a hangover; and when used to make tea, it gives off an exceptionally fragrant aroma. In the middle of the lake lies the Tanliang Spring, said to be where immortals placed agarwood from heaven beneath the lakebed. Fish swimming past this spring gain a particularly 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 exceptionally sweet and delicious. This has also contributed to the rapid development of freshwater fish farming in the lake today.

　　Leaning on the railing and recalling history, Daka Lake stirs deep thoughts. It is named after Shi Dakai’s former residence, located in the middle of the lake (now submerged). On the island where the Wing King’s home once stood, three stone tablets commemorate his life and achievements. In Pingzhi Village to the east of Daka Lake stands an “Yiwang Residence,” preserved intact. It is a grand late Qing dynasty-style dwelling built by Shi Dakai’s son, featuring three halls, six courtyards, and 28 rooms. Shi Dakai’s ancestral tomb on the mountainside of Shima Mountain remains well-preserved, naturally shaped like a massive half-sphere of rock. Moreover, according to the historical text *New Nan Tang Poetry · Geography Records*, the present-day Qingtan Village in Xinqing Township near the lake was once the site of Longshan County during the Sui Dynasty, elevated to Longshan Prefecture in the Tang Dynasty. Today, bricks, tiles, stone carvings, ceremonial archways, and plaques gifted by the imperial court from those eras can still be faintly seen, with the legacy of the Sui and Tang dynasties evident everywhere.

　　The beauty of Daka Lake is closely tied to the warm hospitality and simple virtues of the local people. Visitors to Daka Lake, no matter which village, household, or home they enter, will be warmly welcomed. Villagers offer their finest mountain tea, sing heartfelt welcoming folk songs, serve lavish “Yiwang Banquets,” and present specially brewed “Yiwang Liquor,” allowing guests to experience the unique warmth and kindness of the Zhuang people. During Zhuang festivals, villagers engage in singing duels, shuttlecock tossing, and bamboo pole competitions, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere. The legendary beauty of ancient maidens, the heroic exploits of nobles and generals, and the fearless valor and righteousness of the Zhuang people have all left behind a brilliant legacy enshrined in Daka Lake’s green mountains and clear waters. These elements enhance the splendor of the landscape, infuse the waters with spirit, and radiate the grandeur of human nobility, cultivating the sentiments of every visitor.

　　Shi Dakai (1831~1863)　　Shi Dakai (1831–1863), nicknamed Yada and also known as Shi Gandang, was a Hakka from Guixian (now Guigang), Guangxi. He was a famed general of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and a prominent military strategist, politician, and martial arts master in modern China. Initially appointed as the “Left Army Commander, Wing King,” during the Tianjing Incident, he was further titled “Holy Divine Lightning Commander-in-Chief, Wing King,” and revered by both civilians and soldiers as the “Righteous King” (though he humbly declined the honor). Shi Dakai was one of the most legendary figures of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. At age 16, he was “summoned to rise”; by 19, he commanded armies; and by 20, he was made a king. He was executed at the young age of 32. Throughout his life, he achieved countless military successes and was undefeated in numerous battles, including the major victories against the Xiang Army at Hukou and Zhangshuzhen... More+