The Dateng Gorge

　　It is a section of the Qianjiang River downstream in the Xijiang River system of the Pearl River Basin, and is the largest, longest, and most famous river canyon in Guangxi. It boasts spectacular landscape features such as majestic mountains, elegant peaks, rapid waters, perilous shoals, and beautiful scenery, earning it the reputation of being Guangxi’s “Three Gorges.” The entrance to the Dateng Gorge is located near Lema Village in the southeastern corner of Wuxuan County, Guangxi, at Lema Shoal, while the exit is at Nushan Shoal in the northwestern corner of Guiping City, stretching a total length of 41 kilometers. Legend has it that there was once a huge vine stretching across the river surface, sinking by day and floating by night, which people could use to cross the river—hence the name “Dateng Gorge” (Big Vine Gorge). The gorge is formed by the Qianjiang River channel between the Dayao Mountain Range and the Lotus Mountain Range. On the left side of the gorge entrance is the Dayeng Mountain of the Dayao Mountain Range, and on the right is the Lema Mountain of the Lotus Mountain Range. The two mountains stand opposite each other, resembling a gateway to the heavens. Downstream from this point is a distinct canyon terrain, with clusters of mountains flanking a single river, numerous shoals, and rapid currents. Upstream from here lies the tableland plain—the Wuxuan Plain—with open terrain and a gentle river flow.

　　The upper section of the gorge features picturesque and beautiful scenery, with lush green mountains and bamboo forests, and Zhuang ethnic villages scattered among the hills and woods. Along both banks of the river, there are three village committees named after the gorge: Upper Gorge River Village, Middle Gorge River Village, and Lower Gorge River Village, affectionately referred to by villagers as the “Three Gorges Villages.” Here, the river is bustling with boats and bamboo rafts riding the waves, creating enchanting scenery. The lower section of the gorge is marked by towering peaks, steep cliffs, precipitous rocks, and intersecting tributaries. In summer, the waves surge violently, and the thunderous roar of floodwaters crashing against the rocks is awe-inspiring. In autumn, the shimmering blue waters reflect the surrounding landscape, presenting an extremely magnificent sight. Xu Xiake, the renowned Ming Dynasty geographer and traveler, navigated the Dateng Gorge in January 1637 (the 10th year of the Chongzhen era). In his travelogue, he wrote about Hongshi Shoal (i.e., Red Stone Shoal): “There is a rock jutting out horizontally from the mountain base on the right bank of the river into the middle of the river. The surging current flows back against it, creating extremely turbulent rapids,” and described the area as having “steep cliffs on both sides, with clear, deep pools in the center, and a refreshing sense of openness,” vividly capturing the grandeur and charm of the canyon.