Living in a small city, I rarely get the chance to see such breathtaking natural wonders — and this one is truly unlike anything you’ll find in most parts of the world.
Located at an altitude of 2,380 meters (7,808 feet) above sea level, Bai Shui Tai is a natural masterpiece carved by the patient hands of nature, nestled at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain in Yunnan, China.
About 101 kilometers (63 miles) from Shangri-La, these terraces were formed over thousands of years through the ceaseless sedimentation of calcium carbonate.
As the mineral-rich mountain springs flow gently down from Haba Snow Mountain, the calcium carbonate slowly settles, leaving behind layer upon layer of gleaming white terraces filled with crystal-clear water. The sight is otherworldly — like terraced fields made of marble and snow, often referred to as “The Terraced Fields Left by Immortals.”
The Legend Behind Bai Shui Tai
Covering an area of about three square kilometers, the Bai Shui Terraces are known in the Naxi culture as “Shi Pu Zhi,” which means the gradually growing flowers. At the heart of this natural wonder lies a magical area of ten spring ponds, each more enchanting than the last.
The origin of these springs lies beneath a willow tree, where the water bubbles up to form the “Heavenly Pond”, before flowing gracefully across the terraces below. If you look closely, you’ll see countless tiny white grains glistening beneath the surface — natural calcium deposits that sparkle like stars under sunlight.
A rock near the spring source bears a poem, written centuries ago, that captures the spirit of this place:
“A monk once lived in this holy land 500 years ago,
Devoting his life to spreading the light of Buddhism.
Like clouds and snow, the silver terraces stretch for miles,
As clear as crystal, the springs meander endlessly.
The waters will gush forevermore —
How I envy the immortal who created them.”
Our Journey to the Terraces
Reaching Bai Shui Tai was an experience on its own — both beautiful and challenging. There’s no public transportation, and no vehicle can take you to the top; only your own two feet can. The hike from the entrance was much longer than we expected. Halfway up, we almost turned back.
I was down with the flu at the time, struggling with the altitude and the fatigue. But we decided to keep going — YOLO, we thought, since we had come all this way. We paused after nearly every flight of stairs, breathing in the mountain air, moving slow but steady. When we finally reached the terraces, all exhaustion melted away into awe.
The milky-white pools glistened under the sunlight, each layer reflecting the sky like a piece of glass. It was quiet, surreal, and absolutely worth the climb.
Tip: Travel light — this is a real hike, not a stroll. The altitude makes you tired faster than usual, so pace yourself, stay hydrated, and enjoy the journey as much as the view. Bring a raincoat or umbrella, as there’s no shelter available if it rains.
Altitude: 2,380 meters (7,808 feet)
Distance from Shangri-La: 101 km (63 miles)
Cultural Significance: Birthplace of Dongba Culture
If your trip includes Shangri‑La, Lijiang or Dali, it’s absolutely worth stopping by the BaishuiTai. We booked a private driver via the “Ma Feng Guo” China app. For 8 days, the cost was:
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Car charter services: ¥7,710 (SGD1405)
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Toll/express fees: ¥100 (SGD18)
The payment, both deposit and balance can be paid either in cash or via Alipay. Important note: If you use Alipay (or WeChat Pay) with an international card, a 3 % transaction fee applies for single transactions over ¥200 RMB.
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