The Baishui Terraces (baishui tai) are the cradle of trhe Dongba culture of the Naxi people. It is said that the founding father of Dongba culture settled here to spread his beliefs on his way back from Tibet. On the eighth day of the second month of the lunar calendar, that is, the day when the founding father held his founding ceremony, people of various groups congregate round the terrace, singing and dancing and slaughtering chickens to pay tribute.

Springs here, high in calcium carbonate run down the mountain slopes forming terraces covering an area of three square kilometers. From a distance, the silver terrace appears to glitter under the sun. Below the spring terrace is a natural statue shaped like a pregnant woman,believed by local people to be the goddess of reproduction.

How to get to Baishui Terraces : From the main bus terminal in Zhongdian, a bus leaves daily to Sanba at 8:30am, the trip takes four and a half hours and costs RMB27. From Sanba, the Terrace is only half an hour's walk. Many local travel agencies offer one day tours to the terrace for RMB130. The price includes all bus fares, admission, lunch and a guide.
Cost:RMB30