Black Dragon Pool Park (Lijiang)
Black Dragon Pool Park (Lijiang)
At the foot of Elephant Mountain in Lijiang, Black Dragon Pool Park brings together ancient pavilions, crystalline waters and an iconic view of Yulong Xueshan.
At the foot of Elephant Mountain, on the northern edge of the old town of Lijiang, the Black Dragon Pool Park (Heilongtan gongyuan) gathers ancient pavilions, a pool fed by waters from Yulong Xueshan and views across snow-capped peaks. It stands as one of Yunnan's most photographed vistas, as much for its setting as for the density of heritage structures relocated here for preservation.
Why visit the park
Three reasons make a visit worthwhile:
- The view of Yulong Xueshan (Jade Dragon Mountain) reflected in the pool, framed by the Suocui Bridge and the Five Phoenix Tower: this is the postcard image of southwestern Chine.
- A concentration of ancient architecture across 40,000 m², with structures relocated from Lijiang and its surroundings for their preservation.
- The Dongba Culture Research Institute, which preserves manuscripts and knowledge of the Naxi people, accessible to visitors within the park.
The entrance lies just a short walk from the old town, making it an easy step to incorporate into a day in Lijiang.
A history linked to a temple and a Naxi legend
The site was developed in 1737 around a religious building originally named the Yunquan Dragon King Temple. Under the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Black Dragon Pool by imperial decree.
The name refers to a local legend: ten malevolent dragons once tormented the region before being defeated by Lu Dongbin, one of the eight immortals of Taoist mythology. Only a small black dragon was spared and designated as a protector of the inhabitants.
The park underwent a major renovation funded by local government in 2014 and was declared a water conservation zone, due to the quality of the springs that feed it from Yulong Xueshan.
What to see in the park
The pool and Suocui Bridge
The pool, nicknamed the Jade Spring for the clarity of its waters, occupies the heart of the park. The Suocui Bridge (white bridge) crosses it at its midpoint and forms the essential foreground for photographs of Yulong Xueshan.
The Five Phoenix Tower
An iconic structure of the site, the Five Phoenix Tower originally belonged to the Fuguo Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty. It was relocated to the park in 1979 for protection. Rising three stories, its five superimposed eaves—the origin of its name—blend Tibetan art, Bai minority style and Han architecture. The interior preserves paintings, sculptures and carvings.
Jietuolin Villa and Deyue Pavilion
The Jietuolin Villa of Governor Mu and the Deyue Pavilion complete the built ensemble. Within the grounds of Deyue Pavilion stands the Dongba Culture Research Institute, dedicated to the traditions of the Naxi people: craftsmanship, painting, pictographic calligraphy and documents preserved for over 1,000 years. With some fortune, Dongba ritual ceremonies are presented here.
Practical information
- Chinese name: Heilongtan gongyuan (黑龙潭公园)
- Location: foot of Elephant Mountain, north of Lijiang's old town
- Size: 40,000 m²
- Visit duration: allow 1 to 2 hours to walk around the pool and visit the pavilions
- Admission: paid entry at a moderate rate; free admission conditions vary by season (check on arrival)
- Opening hours: open during daytime with broad hours; schedules vary by season
When to visit
The perfect photograph depends on two factors: visibility of Yulong Xueshan and light on the pool.
- October to April: generally clearer skies, snow-capped peaks clearly visible. This is the most favorable season for photography.
- May to September: more humid period, mountains often veiled by clouds, but dense vegetation and pool at its fullest.
- Early morning: soft light, sometimes mist on the water, reduced crowds. This is the best time slot, before tour groups arrive.
How to get there
From Lijiang's old town, the park is accessible on foot in about twenty minutes heading north. Alternatively:
- Bus: lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9, Heilongtan stop.
- Taxi: short ride from the city center at a low fare.
Combine with nearby attractions
- The old town of Lijiang, UNESCO-listed, just south of the park.
- Yulong Xueshan (Jade Dragon Mountain), whose waters feed the pool, accessible on a day excursion.
- To extend your journey in Chine, also see the Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an or the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves in Xinjiang.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
One to two hours are sufficient to walk around the pool, see the Five Phoenix Tower, the Suocui Bridge and the Dongba Institute. Allow more time if you plan extensive photography of Yulong Xueshan or wish to attend a ritual ceremony.
No. Visibility of Yulong Xueshan depends on weather conditions. It is best between October and April, and generally in the morning. In summer, the peaks are often obscured by clouds.
Yes, the northern entrance of the park is about twenty minutes' walk from the heart of Lijiang's old town.
Dongba is the religious and written culture of the Naxi people, a minority settled around Lijiang. The institute preserves pictographic manuscripts, paintings and ritual objects documented for over a thousand years.
Include the park in a Yunnan trip
Black Dragon Pool Park fits naturally into a stop at Lijiang, between the Naxi old town and an excursion to Yulong Xueshan. To build a custom itinerary in Yunnan or elsewhere in Chine, consult our trips to Chine.
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