【Complete Travel Guide to Baishuatai】Encounter the Pure White Wonderland of China’s Cotton Castle!

📍Address: Baidi Village, Sanba Naxi Township, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

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✨ Highlights of the Scenic Area

🏞️ Natural Travertine Wonder: Baishuatai is a natural marvel formed by calcium carbonate dissolved in spring water. The spring water containing calcium bicarbonate flows slowly, causing carbonate to gradually precipitate and form terraces over the years, resembling layered rice terraces. Covering about 3 square kilometers, it is one of the largest spring terraces in China.

🌿 Sacred Site of Naxi Culture: This is the birthplace of the Naxi Dongba culture and a pilgrimage site for Dongba believers. In the Naxi language, Baishuatai is called "Shibuzi," meaning "gradually growing flower."

🌈 Beautiful Scenery All Year Round: Regardless of the weather, the spring water at Baishuatai displays jade green and sapphire blue hues. Against the backdrop of milky white travertine pools, it looks like a palette spilled by the gods. The overlapping snow-white terraces intertwine with green and yellow water colors.

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🗺️ Practical Information

🕒 Opening Hours:

· 09:00-18:00
· Some sources show 8:00-16:00 or 8:30-17:30; it is recommended to confirm before your trip

🎫 Ticket Information:

· Admission: 30 RMB/person
· Parking Fee: 5 RMB

📍 Altitude: 2380 meters

🚗 Transportation Guide

· Self-driving (recommended) 🚙: The East Ring Road of Shangri-La is well maintained with beautiful scenery along the way, including views of Haba Snow Mountain. However, the mountain road has many curves.
· Shuttle Bus 🚌: There is one large bus from Shangri-La to Sanba Township in the morning and one in the afternoon on Sundays.
· Taxi Rental 🚗: Renting a taxi from Shangri-La to Baishuatai costs about 200 RMB/day round trip.

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📸 Touring and Photography Tips

👣 Recommended Route:

· The scenic area is not large; 1-3 hours is enough for a visit
· Enter at point A and exit at point B to avoid retracing steps uphill and downhill
· The halfway travertine pools on the downhill route are very beautiful

📷 Photography Suggestions:

· Best Spot: On the left side of Baishuatai, there is a spring terrace shaped like a crescent moon, said to be where a fairy did her makeup
· Drone Tips: It is recommended to shoot from a lower frontal angle to capture the terrace effect
· Golden Hours: Early morning and late afternoon light are best for photography 🎑

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🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

· Baishuatai Penglai Inn: Located in Baidi Village, opened in 2023, with relatively new facilities; some rooms offer mountain views
· Other Options: Baidi Village has accommodations but conditions are basic; those with higher standards may consider returning to Shangri-La city center

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🍜 Food Recommendations

· Local Specialties: Try Naxi ethnic cuisine
· Dining Tips: There are almost no food or drink options on the mountain, so it is recommended to bring your own. Locals sell some local specialties along the way down.

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🎎 Special Festivals

· Lunar February 8th: Traditional Naxi "Chao Baishui" event, where local Naxi people wear traditional costumes and ascend Baishuatai for worship and celebration. People from surrounding villages gather here to celebrate the annual traditional festival "February 8th."

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💫 Travel Tips

1. 📅 Best Season: June has abundant water flow and the most beautiful scenery (refer to Xinhua News photos taken in June), but it is suitable to visit all year round
2. 🎒 Preparation:
· At 2380 meters altitude, the scenic area requires climbing steps; it is recommended to prepare medication to prevent altitude sickness
· Be sure to wear non-slip shoes 👟 as the white travertine rock surface is slippery when wet
3. ⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid:
· Local villagers offer horse rides at the entrance, but riding uphill is not recommended
· Restrooms are located on a high platform at the exit, quite far from the entrance
4. 🙏 Respectful Visiting: This is a pilgrimage site for locals; please observe politely and protect the environment
5. 💡 In-depth Experience: If time allows, visit Baidi Village to learn about Naxi Dongba culture and experience local customs

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Baishuatai, this "Immortal’s Lost Field" hidden among green mountains, awaits you to explore its pure white secret realm! 🌟 Quickly save this guide and start your journey to the Baishuatai wonderland! ✨