Baishui Terrace (the White Water Terrace) is situated in Baidi Village, Sanba Township, southeast of Shangri-La country town. To the west of Baidi Village is a spring, which though clear, contains a high concentration of calcium bicarbonate. When the spring water reaches the surface a chemical reaction occurs, which results in layers of white calcium carbonate being deposited as the water flows down the steep hill. These deposits, over time, have spread and thickened, forming various shapes. It is as if a waterfall has been turned to white stone as it flowed through the green woods. If viewed from below, there is a grand silvery-white waterfall forming a milky way linking the earth to the sky. 

    Towards the top and on the left of the sinter terrace stands a natural white crystallized stone statue. It is in the shape of a lady with a baby and it is regarded as the reproducing“goddess'". The White Water Terrace covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometers. It is an exceptional example of a sinter terrace, a fairly rare natural phenomenon. It is categorized as a surface karst area. 

    The terrace has been divided into five zones based on naturally occurring features, from the upper part to the lower part. These have been named by the locals as dragon swimming in the silver water", "the fairy's embodiment", "god's farmland", “heaven in a mirror'" and“spraying pearls", each of which has its special characteristics. Viewed from a distance the terrace looks like a silvery, shining pearl spreading over the land. Viewed from nearby, this terrace seems to form a grand fairy pathway constructed of white marble. Looking up from below the terrace one can see a path leading to heaven with numerous steps. 

    Stepping onto the terrace visitors will find themselves in a fairyland of glittering and splendid surroundings as if entering a dragon palace or a jade pavilion. The spring has been looked upon as a source of holy or sacred water by the Naxi people and why part of the whitewater terrace is known as “god's farmland”.

    The spring has special significance in the Naxi people's well-known Dongba culture. Features of this culture include a pictographic writing system, Dongbaism, Dongba scriptures, and Dongba arts, all of which are actively practiced among the local people. The White Water Terrace is a special place possessing special geological significance. The celebration of the traditional February festival is still important and it is believed that a visit to the White Water Terrace will help to bound to achieve a bumper harvest. 

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