White Water Terrace, China's Pamukkale in Yunnan Province

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White Water Terrace, known as China's Pamukkale, is a tourist attraction located 101 kilometers away from Shangri-La County in southwest China's Yunnan Province. 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 Terrace scenic spot in Yunnan Province, southwest China. /VCG Photo

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.

White Water Terrace scenic spot in Yunnan Province, southwest China. /VCG Photo

Tourists are recommended to spend three to four hours visiting Baishuitai and another two days visiting nearby tourists spots:

Mingyong Glacier

At 28.5 degrees north and an elevation of 2,700 meters, Mingyong Glacier is located at the lowest latitude and altitude of all glaciers in China. Fed by snow which falls on Meili Snow Mountain, the glacier is held sacred by the local people.

Mingyong Glacier in Yunnan Province, southwest China. /VCG Photo

Potatso National Park

Covering an area of 1,300 square kilometers, the Potatso National Park is located in Shangri-La County. Opened to the public in June 2007, it incorporates Bita Lake Nature Reserve and Duhu Scenic Area in Hongshan region, which contains over 20 percent of China's plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Potatso National Park in Yunnan Province, southwest China. /VCG Photo

Travel tips:

1. Tourists can go to Baishuitai from Shangri-la County by bus in four hours. The ticket price is 25 yuan (3.7 U.S. dollars).

2. The entrance fee of Baishuitai tourist attraction is 30 yuan (4.45 U.S. dollars).

3. Opening hours: 7:00 a.m.~4:00 p.m.

(Cover: White Water Terrace scenic spot in Yunnan Province, southwest China. /VCG Photo)

2044km