Black Dragon Pool

Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan) — Lijiang Travel Guide

Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭, Heilongtan), also known as Jade Spring Park (玉泉公园), is one of Lijiang’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks. Located at the northern foot of Elephant Mountain, just outside the Old Town, this 287-year-old park is the primary water source for Lijiang’s ancient canal system and offers the most classic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s reflection.

📍 Overview

Attribute Details
Location Northern edge of Lijiang Old Town, at the foot of Elephant Mountain
Founded 1737 (Qianlong Era, Qing Dynasty)
Water Area ~40,000 m²
Daily Flow 300,000 m³ — feeds the entire Dayan Old Town water system
Rating AAAA National Scenic Area
Nickname “The Eye of Lijiang”
Best Duration 2–3 hours

🎫 Tickets & Hours

Item Details
Entrance Fee Free — but requires presentation of the Lijiang Old Town Maintenance Fee receipt (¥80, valid for 30 days)
Free Entry Window 19:00–21:30 (no maintenance fee check required before closing)
Opening Hours 07:00–19:00 (some sources note extended hours to 21:00 in peak season)
Phone +86-888-5188041
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive before 07:30 in the morning — the gates are unmanned, so you can enter for free and catch the golden sunrise light on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

🏛️ Main Attractions

Attraction What to See
🌊 Black Dragon Pool Two springs bubble up from beneath ancient chestnut trees, forming a crystal-clear jade-green lake. Water quality meets China’s Grade I drinking water standard (pH 6.8–7.2).
🏔️ Snow Mountain Reflection On calm, clear days, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain mirrors perfectly in the emerald water — the most iconic photo in all of Lijiang.
🏯 Dragon God Temple (龙神祠) The park’s centerpiece, featuring an opera stage and the Deyue Pavilion (得月楼). The gate bears the calligraphy “Heaven’s Light, Cloud’s Shadow.”
🔒 Suocui Bridge (锁翠桥) Divides the water into light and dark zones — the best spot for reflection photography.
🏛️ Wufeng Tower (五凤楼 / Fayan Pavilion) Originally built in the Ming Dynasty at Fuguo Temple on Zhi Mountain, relocated here in 1979. The Mu Chieftain once received the famous traveler Xu Xiake here.
📚 Dongba Culture Research Institute One of the world’s most important centers for Dongba studies, housing over 4,000 Dongba scriptures and 200+ Dongba paintings — the largest collection globally.
🪦 Stele Forest 50+ ancient steles from the Tang to Republican eras, scattered among ancient chestnut groves.
🌳 The Four Treasures Han Temple, Tang Plum, Song Cypress, Ming Tomb — ancient trees and relics that have witnessed centuries of history.

📸 Photography Guide

Shot Best Time Best Location
Snow Mountain Reflection 09:00–10:00 or 16:00–17:00 on calm, sunny, windless days Along Suocui Bridge, in front of Deyue Pavilion
Golden Sunrise on Snow Mountain ~07:00–07:30 Near the main gate
Ancient Architecture Any time of day Dragon God Temple, Wufeng Tower, Jade Emperor Pavilion
Seasonal Flowers Spring: cherry & azaleas / Summer: lush green / Autumn: golden / Winter: snow-covered Plum Garden, Azalea Valley, Osmanthus Garden
🌅 Sunrise Secret: Arrive before 07:30 — no ticket check, and you’ll catch the first golden rays hitting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

🚌 How to Get There

Method Route Time Cost
🚶 Walk (Recommended) From the Old Town’s Big Water Wheel, follow the Jade River upstream to its source 10–15 min Free
🚌 Bus Lines 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16 ~10 min ¥1–2
🚕 Taxi / Didi From anywhere in the Old Town ~5 min ¥5–10

🗺️ Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day Route (2–3 hours)

plain

Main Gate → Civilization Archway → Suocui Bridge (reflection photos)
    ↓
Deyue Pavilion → Dragon God Temple (explore ancient architecture)
    ↓
Wufeng Tower → Dongba Culture Research Institute (cultural deep-dive)
    ↓
Stele Forest → Plum Garden / Azalea Valley (leisurely stroll)
    ↓
Elephant Mountain Trail (optional, for panoramic views) → Exit

Full-Day Combo with Old Town

plain

Morning:    Black Dragon Pool (2–3 hrs, catch the reflection)
    ↓
Lunch:      Return to Old Town for Naxi cuisine
    ↓
Afternoon:  Mu's Mansion → Wangu Pavilion → Sifang Square → Big Water Wheel
    ↓
Evening:    Lion Hill for sunset panoramic views of the Old Town

🍽️ Nearby Food

Dish Description
Naxi Baba Traditional Naxi flatbread, available at restaurants near the park
Cured Pork Rib Hot Pot Lijiang’s signature dish
Bingfen Liangxiao A refreshing summer dessert
Naxi Grilled Fish Available at multiple restaurants in the Old Town

🛍️ Souvenirs Nearby

  • Wild Matsutake & Chicken Mushrooms — Premium Yunnan fungi
  • Dongba Woodcarvings & Tapestries — Authentic Naxi handicrafts
  • Handwoven Shawls — A Lijiang specialty
  • Dongba Paper & Naxi Ancient Music CDs — Cultural keepsakes

⚠️ Essential Tips

Category Advice
👕 Clothing Elevation ~2,400m — mornings and evenings are cool even in summer. Bring a jacket and sun protection.
📸 Gear A polarizing filter helps cut water glare. A tripod steadies reflection shots.
🎫 Maintenance Fee Keep your ¥80 Old Town Maintenance Fee receipt — it’s required for entry.
🙏 Respect The water is sacred and pristine — no littering. Don’t climb on ancient structures.
⏰ Avoid Crowds The park receives 2+ million visitors annually. Visit on weekday mornings for the most serene experience.
🔐 Safety Some remote areas of Elephant Mountain have had incidents. Stay on main paths and avoid hiking alone in secluded corners.

📅 Best Time to Visit

  • Late October – April: Peak season for photography. Snow accumulation on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is at its maximum, and visibility is highest. The reflection is most dramatic during this period.
  • June – August: Lush and green, but frequent rain can disturb the water surface and obscure the mountain.
  • December – February: Fewer tourists; crisp winter mornings offer excellent chances for sunrise shots.
In a nutshell: Black Dragon Pool is Lijiang’s ultimate postcard moment — one jade pond, one ancient pavilion, one snow-capped mountain, frozen in time for nearly three centuries. Come early, bring your camera, and let the stillness of the water show you why this place is called “The Eye of Lijiang.”