Written by Catherine |
Yunnan Province is a land bestowed with various natural wonders. The divine sanctuary known as White Water Terrace, or Baishuitai, located in the ethereal Shangri-La and at an altitude of 2,380 meters, is one of the evidences. This terraced, white calcite platform, shimmering in a soft azure hue under the refracted sunlight, resembles a frozen photographic masterpiece, emerging as a hidden gem in Yunnan tours.
White Water Terrace Facts
- InChinese: 白水台(baishuitai)
- Type: Nature, parks, naturallandscape
- Location:Baidi Billage, Sanba Township, Shangri-la County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
- Opening Hours: Allday
- Best Seasons:May – October
- Recommended Visiting Time: 3 – 4 hours
White Water Terrace (Baishuitai) History, Culture & Legend
The White Water Terrace, or Baishuitai, a celestial terrace of azure and white, is not only the cradle of the Dongba religion of the Naxi people in Lijiang but also a place named by them. As early as the Tang and Song dynasties, the White Water Terrace had already become a renowned scenic spot in the western part of Yunnan. In the Naxi language, Baishuitai is called “Shibuzhi,” a name that carries the beautiful connotation of “growing gradually.” It is the abundant sunlight here that has sculpted this natural wonder of interwoven blue and white.
Rich in calcium bicarbonate, the spring water of the Terrace evaporates under the sun and forms white calcium carbonate deposits. These deposits accumulate over the surface year after year, and eventually become the travertine terrace we see today—one of the largest spring terraces in China. The White Water Terrace in China shares a striking resemblance with Turkey’s Pamukkale, so much so that some even refer to Baishuitai as China’s Pamukkale.
Legend about White Water Terrace
Historical evidence suggests that the White Water Terrace in Shangri-La, Yunnan, was initially revered as a deity. Legend has it that the first sacred ancestor of the Naxi Dongba religion Dingbashiluo was captivated by the beauty of the White Water Terrace on his way back from Tibet. Later, he decided to stay and preach there, a move that makes White Water Terrace a sacred site for the Naxi Dongba followers.
Every year on the eighth day of the second lunar month, local residents and believers gather, bringing their tokens of faith to pay homage. They also conduct a series of ritual activities imbued with rich ethnic flavors.
White Water Terrace Culture
Predominantly a Tibetan settlement, Shangri-La features a unique cultural mosaic in the vicinity of Dagu near Lijiang, where the Naxi people form the majority and where the Naxi “Dongba Culture” originated. The Dongba religion, an ancient faith of the Naxi people, derives its name from the word “Dongba,” which can be translated as “mountain village scripture reciter,” who is often regarded as the “wise men”.
Legend has it that in the mid-11th century, Dingbashiluo—where “Dingba” is a Tibetan term meaning “ancestor” and “Shiluo” is a personal name—began to propagate the Dongba religion around the Bai Di area. He and his disciples first inscribed Dongba scriptures using pictographic writing, thereby pioneering a new epoch in the development of the Dongba religion and earning him posthumous veneration as the founding patriarch of Dongbaism.
Shangri-La White Water Terrace Travel Tips
How to Get to White Water Terrace (Baishuitai)
- Bus: Shangri-La Bus Station operates two daily buses to Baishuitai (Sanba Township), departing at 9:00 and 14:00. The ticket costs 26 yuan per person. Extra buses are available on Sundays and holidays. The road is mostly unpaved, and you can just get off at Bai Di Village
- Drive: You can also hire a private car for the trip, which costs around 400 yuan for a round trip.
- Get to White Water Terrace from Tiger Leaping Gorge Town: Every day at noon, there is a bus from Tiger Leaping Gorge Town to Baishuitai. Hikers who have traversed the Tiger Leaping Gorge can also take this bus to Baishuitai.
Best Time to Visit White Water Terrace (Baishuitai)
The best time to visit the White Water Terrace during Shangri-La tours is May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the azure sky mirrors the glistening surface of the water. You can sit quietly by the water during such a season, feel the gentle breeze brush against the face, and let the tranquility and beauty intoxicate your soul.
Altitude Sickness
As the Baishuitai Water Terrace is located on a plateau, visitors may have mild altitude sickness upon arrival. It is advisable to acclimate before a Shangri-La travel and avoid strenuous activities.
What to Do in White Water Terrace
To enjoy the lake views, visitors can stroll or ride a horse along the crystal-clear lakeside. The water reflects the blue sky, creating a serene and picturesque scene. Hiking trails around Baishuitai lead through stunning landscapes, such as lakeshores and mountains capped with snow. Just as the white water river terraces in Lijiang, it is a paradise for every photographers. Its lakes, mountains, and cultural richness all provide endless opportunities to capture beautiful moments.
