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Baishui Terrace
candid China tips
Why the
Baishui Terrace
is special
Terraces like those of Baishui are one of nature's most remarkable creations. The formations vaguely resemble a frozen cascading series of short waterfalls - and the wet terrace walls have a white jade like glow. The half circular pools of water that fill the shallow basins behind the terrace walls lend a serene visual touch (see photo).
Baishui Terrace
insights
Creation
The terraces gradually formed over hundreds of thousands of years. Running spring water rich in bicarbonate calcium left behind the calcium sediment that built the terrace walls and basins molecule by molecule.
Color
Calcium is white, but the terraces of Baishui are creamy white and sometimes streaked yellowish brown. Reason: The flowing spring water deposited other dissolved minerals besides the calcium.
Dimensions
Dimensions: The Baishui Terrace runs 130 meters (430 feet) down its mountain slope and extends some 150 meters (500 feet) at its broadest point.
Altitude
Baishui Terrace is 2400 meters (7900 feet) above sea level.
Misnomer
The name "Baishui Terrace" is a misnomer. Many terraces compose this natural wonder (see photo).
Pamukkale
The world's other outstanding calcium terrace formation is Pamukkale in Turkey. It is similar in appearance to Baishui Terrace, though its overall hue is more pristine white. Both formations are Hillman Wonders.
Walking
advice
Wear shoes with good traction when walking over the terraces - they can be slippery wet.
Nearby
festival
Some travelers plan their visit to the Baishui Terrace when the nearby Naxi ethnic villages hold their annual folkloric festival featuring traditional dances and songs. It occurs on the 8th day of the second lunar month (which occurs in February 90% of the time).
Nearest
major cities
The Baishui Terrace is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Zhongdian city, which is some 700 kilometers (420 miles) northwest of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province.
Pronunciation guide
Baishui: bye-shew'ee
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