Baishuitai

The "Terraces Left by Immortals"

1.Located in Baidi: Village, Sanba Township, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Shangri-La City, Baishuitai (White Water Terraces) is a geological wonder that looks like a cascade of frozen white jade. Often hailed as the "Terraces Left by Immortals," this site covers an area of about 3 square kilometers at an altitude ranging from 2,380 to 2,800 meters. It is the largest spring water travertine terrace landform in China. As spring water rich in calcium carbonate flows down the mountain slope, it cools and deposits white minerals, creating layers of semicircular pools that resemble white terraced fields. Under the sunlight, the water in the pools shimmers in shades of turquoise and gold, while the white ridges glisten like snow, creating a surreal landscape nestled amidst the lush green mountains and the distant snow-capped peaks,.

The Cradle of Dongba Culture

Beyond its geological beauty, Baishuitai holds immense spiritual significance as the birthplace of the Naxi Dongba religion. According to legend, the founder of the Dongba religion, Dingbashiluo, practiced cultivation here and was inspired by the landscape to create the Dongba pictographic characters. The terraces are believed to be a manifestation of a goddess, and the site is revered as a holy place where the "First Saint" attained enlightenment. It is here that the Naxi people preserve their most ancient traditions. Every year, on the eighth day of the second lunar month, locals gather for the grand "Sacrifice to Heaven" (Jitian) Festival, singing and dancing to ancient Dongba music to pray for harvest and harmony, keeping alive a culture that is centuries old.

Exploring the Limestone Layers

Visitors explore the area via wooden boardwalks that wind up the hillside. The main attraction is the Travertine Terrace Group, where layers of white limestone pools cascade down the slope. The water is crystal clear, revealing the intricate textures of the mineral deposits at the bottom, often described as resembling "creamy jade." At the source of the terraces lies the God Spring (Shenquan), where pure water gushes out from a cave. Locals believe this water has healing properties and can wash away bad luck. The contrast between the stark white terraces, the blue sky, and the autumn colors (if visiting in fall) creates a photographer's paradise.

Living Naxi Heritage

At the foot of the mountain lies the traditional Baidi Village, home to Naxi people who live in traditional wooden houses ("Muleng Fang"). This area is a living museum of Naxi culture, distinct from the more commercialized Lijiang. Here, visitors can visit the Dongba Museum to see ancient scriptures and artifacts, or witness the traditional craft of Dongba papermaking, a skill passed down through generations. The atmosphere is serene and authentic, offering a glimpse into the "fire and smoke" (daily life) of the Naxi people, far removed from the bustle of modern cities.

A Journey to the Sacred Source

A trip to Baishuitai is often combined with the journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La via the eastern loop, passing through Haba Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Standing on the viewing platform at the top of the terraces, one can overlook the deep river valley and the surrounding mountains, feeling the sacred tranquility that inspired the Naxi ancestors. Whether viewed in the morning when the mist shrouds the "fields" or at sunset when the pools reflect the golden light, Baishuitai offers a profound connection to both nature's artistry and human faith,.