The first impression that Baishuihe or literally means White Water River might give visitors is the crystal clear river water. The river lies approximately 25 kilometers to the north of Lijiang and runs towards the east. The water that flows in the river is extremely clean as the water has gone through uncountable gravel and stones which turn into the natural filter of the water when the water flows. Moreover, the water is 100% out of any pollutants and you may even see the riverbed from above. Besides that, the riverbed which is formed by pieces of white sedimentary rocks has also the main reason why the river looks white in color. Thus, the river gains its name as White Water River.
As the water is mainly originated from the melting snow from the snow mountain, the water is extremely cold that most of the people cannot bear the coldness to swim in the river. White Water River will meet with another river which also originated from the snow mountain. However, most of the pieces of stones that formed the riverbed of this river are black in color. Thus, it is not hard for you to guess the name of this river which is the Heishuihe (Black Water River). Anyway, the riverbed of the joining point of these two rivers is made up from both black and white stones. As a result, the merging point of the river is named as Heibaishuihe (Black White Water River).
You may find a huge reservoir that built across the White Water River when you are here. Standing at the huge rock on the reservoir would be the best shooting point for people who enjoy taking photos.