White-Water Terraces

Introducing White Water Terraces (Baishuitai) (from Wikitravel & CGTN.com)
White Water Terrace, known as China's Pamukkale, is a tourist attraction located 101 kilometers away from Shangri-La County. It is located north of the town of Haba, between Lijiang and Shangrila, near the Jinsha (Yangtze) River valley. Known for its natural mineral terraces, it covers an area of three square kilometers, the largest of its kind in China. Sitting at an altitude of 2,380 meters, the terraces are formed by calcium-rich water emanating from springs at Haba Snow Mountain. When the sun shines on the water surface, it looks like Pamukkale, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey. Thus people call this place "China's Pamukkale".

White Water Terraces (Baishuitai) Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Bai Shui Tai 白水台
• Best Time to Visit: Feb to Apr & Sept to Nov
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Dongba Culture
• Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 30
• Address: Baidi Village, Shangri-La, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan

What to expect at White Water Terraces (Baishuitai)

Field Left behind by the Immortals
The main landscape feature is a calcium-based mineral deposit 140m long and up to 160m wide, located on the flanks of Haba Snow Mountain. The deposit in the form of terraced pools is formed by calcium-rich water emanating from springs at the top of the formation. The crescent-shaped spring pool is also known as Caichi. From top to the bottom, it overlaps like a crescent moon and terraces. That is the reason why Baishuitan gets a nickname “Fairy Land”. This area is in the process of being developed for tourism, with the addition of artificial pools and terraces, a viewing platform, more robust trails, reduced vegetation on the mineral deposit, and a visitor center. It will continue to require climbing a hundred or so stairs, although a horse may be available for rent to bypass the bulk of the climb.

 

Dongba Culture
White Water Terrace is called Shipuzhi in the local language of ethnic Naxi people, which means the gradually growing flowers. Under the bottom left of the terrace is a natural stone sculpture of a pregnant woman. It's where local people enshrine reproductive god. It is also the cradle of the Dongba culture of the Naxi people. It is said that the first saint of the Dongba religion Dingbashiluo was attracted by the beautiful scenery here on his way back from Tibet to Yunnan, and determined to preach Buddhist sutras there. Locals will hold sacrificial activities here on the 8th day of the second lunar month each year to worship God.

How to get to White Water Terraces (Baishuitai)
• White Water Terraces Scenic Area locates about 7 kilometers from Shangri-La County.
• Take a daily bus from Shangri-La Passenger Station to Baishuitai (Sanba), and get off at Baidicun. There are two daily buses, leaving around 8:30am and 2 pm,
• Take a daily bus from Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (Tina's Guesthouse) to Baishuitai. There is only one bus, leaving at noon.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Shangri-La to White Water Terraces.

Additional travel advice on White Water Terraces (Baishuitai)
• With an average elevation over 3,300 meters, a mild altitude sickness in Shangri-La is quite common. Avoid strenuous activity, and better drink more water. Prepare AMS medication, in accordance with a doctor's advice.
• To protect the natural attraction, please do not step on it.