The sacred site of Dongba, 'Baishuitai'

Baishuitai is located at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain, at an altitude of 2380 meters, and is a natural wonder formed by the dissolution of calcium carbonate in spring water. The spring water, containing calcium bicarbonate, flows slowly, and the carbonate gradually precipitates, forming terraces over the years, resembling layered terraces, known as 'Fields Left by Fairies'. Covering an area of about 3 square kilometers, it is the largest travertine terrace in China, very similar to Turkey's Pamukkale. Baishuitai is the birthplace of the Naxi people's Dongba religion, hence it is called the Dongba sacred site (Image 2) The brand new visitor reception plaza (Image 3), which was not yet open when we visited. The bronze statue in the middle is the natural god worshipped by the Naxi people - Shu The Goddess Appears (Image 4), a natural statue at the foot of Baishuitai, white as jade, resembling a pregnant woman, is a place where local people worship the fertility god and where newlyweds pray for children The crescent-shaped travertine pool, also known as the Colorful Pool (Image 5), is another micro-geomorphological form created by travertine accumulation, and is the most wonderful and aesthetically rich terrain among the travertine accumulations of Baishuitai. The pools vary in height by 10-15 centimeters from each other, stacking up from top to bottom, resembling new moons and terraces, and Baishuitai is known as 'Fields Left by Fairies' precisely because of these pools The spring terrace of Baishuitai (Image 6), compared to the majestic splendor of Turkey's Pamukkale, appears more delicate and exquisite. The Fairy Bathing Pool (Images 7-8), where the divine spring water of Baishuitai flows out and gathers on the terrace to form colorful and varied pools The Divine Spring (Image 9), is the source of water that creates the natural wonder of Baishuitai A God's-eye view shot (Image 10) PS: 1. Baishuitai is a must-visit spot on the Shangri-La East Scenic Route (Tiger Fragrance Highway), and the tour route is very simple, going up on the left and down on the right, a one-way loop, and for those who really don't want to climb, there is also the option to ride a horse (charged service) 2. When we went during the Spring Festival, there was almost nothing to eat nearby, we only found a small shop to buy instant noodles to make do (I don't know if it has improved since then), so it's best to prepare some dry food yourself. 3. Baishuitai is still relatively off the beaten path and can only be reached by self-driving. The road from Lijiang to Baishuitai, except for the thrilling section near Tiger Leaping Gorge, is overall in good condition.