Baishuitai Tour (White Water Terraces)

Duration : approximately 5 - 6 hours
Private tour price : US$ 200 per person (1 person); US$ 300 (2 persons); US$ 75 (per extra person)
Transportation : by private 4 Wheel Drive

Head east from Banyan Tree Ringha and drive through the rustic landscape of Tibetan, Yi and Naxi villages, before reaching Baishuitai or the White Water Terraces. Referred to in local folklore as “paddy fields created by fairies”, the terraces are at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain and are steeped in local legend. Spring water rises from the mountaintop, reaches the rim of each shallow steppe ad silently trickles down to the subsequent steppe. The terraces are one of the major sites of ancient Dongpa scripture, which is written in the world’s oldest known hieroglyphics. It is also the sacred site for meditation and preaching of Dongba Shiluo, the founder of the Dongba culture.

Highlights: Indelible impressions of the white water terraces. Visits to the Yi and Naxi families.

Local delicacy: local flavor dishes for lunch