Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭, Hēilóngtán), also known as Jade Spring Park (玉泉公园, Yùquán Gōngyuán), is a scenic park and famous pond at the foot of Elephant Hill (Xiangshan / 象山) on the northern edge of Lijiang Old Town, Yunnan Province, China.
It is one of Lijiang’s most iconic spots, especially for the classic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xue Shan) reflected in the clear water, framed by traditional bridges and pavilions. The pool is also the main water source for the canals that run through Lijiang Old Town.
Key Features and History
Built in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty (Qianlong era) as a Dragon God Temple (Longshen Temple / Dragon King Temple). It has been renovated multiple times.
The spring-fed pool covers roughly 40,000 square meters. The water is famously clear (hence “Jade Spring”).
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflect perfectly on the surface—this is one of the most photographed scenes in Lijiang.
The park contains a concentration of nationally protected Ming and Qing architecture, including:
Moon-Embracing Pavilion (Deyue Lou / 得月楼) – central pavilion on the water (rebuilt in 1963).
Five-Phoenix Tower (Wufeng Lou / 五凤楼) – distinctive multi-eaved structure (relocated here).
Suocui Bridge (Locking the Green Bridge) and the white marble five-arch bridge – prime photo spots.
Dragon God Temple and other pavilions.
It also houses the Dongba Culture Research Institute / Museum, focused on Naxi Dongba culture, script, and heritage.
Note: The pool has occasionally dried up in the past due to water issues (notably a long dry period around 2012–2014), but it has been managed as a conservation area and is typically full.
Practical Information
Location**: No. 1 Minzhu Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang (about 1–1.5 km north of Lijiang Old Town / Sifang Street area, at the foot of Elephant Hill). Elevation around 2,400–2,500 m.
How to get there**:
Walk upstream along the Jade River from the northern part of the Old Town (roughly 15–30 minutes from Sifang Street or the big waterwheel).
Bus: Routes such as 3, 4, 13 (or similar) to stops near Heilongtan / Xiangshan.
Taxi or bike share are also easy options.
Tickets**: The park itself is generally free, but non-local visitors typically need to show the receipt for the Lijiang Old Town maintenance fee (commonly around 50 RMB, valid for several days). Policies can vary—confirm on-site. Some reports note free early-morning entry before official hours.
Opening hours**: Commonly 7:00/7:30–19:00 or up to 21:00 (last entry earlier); check locally as times can change.
Recommended visit duration**: 1–3 hours.
Best time**: Clear weather days (especially mornings) for the mountain reflection. October–April often offers clearer views; rainy season (June–July) reduces the chance of seeing the reflection. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photos.
Tips
The classic photo composition is the mountain, pavilion, and bridge reflected in the still water—arrive early for fewer crowds and better reflections.
Combine with a visit to Lijiang Old Town (easy walk).
The park is pleasant for a leisurely stroll among willows, temples, and cultural exhibits.
High altitude: take it easy if you’re not yet acclimatized.
It is a must-visit for most travelers to Lijiang for its combination of natural scenery, cultural architecture, and that signature mountain reflection view.