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Red lantern adds charm to the tranquil setting (24mm on APS-C)

Spot the Splendour of the Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang, Yunnan

Or “Jade Spring Park’s Black Dragon Pool: Lijiang’s Splendor in Yunnan”

Introduction

During my recent trip to Yunnan, I had the pleasure of visiting the stunning Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang (丽江黑龙潭). It’s a popular tourist destination for its beautiful scenery and rich history. From the traditional architecture to the peaceful lake, and the magnificent Jade Dragon Mountain in the background, there was so much to see and explore.

Lijiang Yuquan Park, also known as Black Dragon Pool or Jade Spring Park (丽江玉泉公园), is a stunning 40,000 square meter park at the foot of Elephant Hill in Lijiang Old Town. Built-in 1737 and later rebuilt in the 60th year of the Qianlong era and the 18th year of the Guangxu era, the park was formerly known as the Jade Spring Dragon King Temple before being renamed Black Dragon Pool. Its main attraction is the jade-coloured, 40,000 square meter pool surrounded by mountains, which reflects the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. The park also features impressive buildings like the Wen Pavilion and Moon Building, connected by bridges and the shore. With its natural beauty and ancient architecture, Lijiang Yuquan Park is a peaceful and serene destination perfect for relaxation and contemplation.

History

The Jade Spring Park has a long history dating back to the Ming Dynasty and was completed in the 17th century. It was originally built as a part of the imperial palace for the Mu family, who ruled the region. The pool was considered sacred and was used for religious ceremonies and rituals. Today, it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.

What to See

The Black Dragon Pool within Jade Spring Park is a vast complex that offers many interesting sights and activities. The most notable feature is the lake, which is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding landscape. Several bridges cross the lake, each with its own unique design. You can also see the traditional architecture of the buildings surrounding the pool, which feature intricate carvings and colourful decorations.

One of the highlights of my visit was the view of the Jade Dragon Mountain in the background. The snow-capped mountain provided a stunning backdrop for the whole scene, making it an excellent spot for taking photos. There’s also a beautiful garden that you can explore, which has a variety of flowers and plants that change with the seasons.

My Visit to Black Dragon Pool Over a Decade Ago

I visited Black Dragon Pool more than a decade ago during late summer. Although I wasn’t able to see the magnificent Jade Dragon Mountain in the background, the beauty of the park’s bridges and scenery left a lasting impression on me. It’s amazing to see how the park has evolved over the years and remains a popular destination for visitors from around the world.

Serene Black Dragon Pool in Jade Spring Park with a cloudy Jade Dragon Mountain in the background.
Clouds shroud Jade Dragon Mountain in the background. Captured more than a decade ago.
A serene lake view with a pagoda in the background, surrounded by lush greenery.
A serene view of Black Dragon Pool in Jade Spring Park during late summer, featuring a striking pagoda. Captured more than a decade ago.

When to Go

I recommend visiting the Black Dragon Pool within Jade Spring Park in winter or early spring when the mountain is visible and the sky is a vibrant shade of blue. The temperatures are also mild and pleasant, making it a comfortable time to explore the complex. However, the pool and park are beautiful throughout the year, and each season brings its own unique charm.

Entrance Fees

Visitors to the Black Dragon Pool within Jade Spring Park in Lijiang will be pleased to know that the entrance fee is 50 RMB, which is quite affordable considering the many attractions within the park. You can spend around an hour exploring the area, and the ticket allows you to re-enter within one week of purchase. It’s also a good idea to take a screenshot of your purchase to show at the entrance gate to ensure a hassle-free re-entry. With their natural beauty and cultural heritage, the Black Dragon Pool and Jade Spring Park are excellent destinations to add to your itinerary while in Lijiang.

While entrance to the lake may be free for locals of Lijiang, foreigners may face difficulties arguing their case in the local dialect. 🙂

How to Get There

The Jade Spring Park is located in the city of Lijiang, in Yunnan Province. You can easily get there by taking a taxi. If you’re staying in the city, it’s only a short distance away, and you can even walk there if you’re up for a little exercise.

Conclusion

Visiting the Black Dragon Pool within Jade Spring Park is a memorable experience that I will not forget. The stunning scenery, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Lijiang. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a relaxing day out, the Black Dragon Pool is definitely worth a visit.

Looking for a unique cultural experience in Yunnan, China? Look no further than Shuhe Ancient Town, a picturesque town located in the heart of the Yulong Snow Mountain region. This town boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant local culture that makes it a must-see destination for any traveller.

Are you ready for a great hike? You can find here my post about it: Explore the High Trail Hike of the Tiger Leaping Gorge: A 2-Day Hiking Adventure in Yunnan, China.

You can find more Ideas for Travelling in this Section of my Homepage.

And if you are looking for something within Yunnan, I m sharing my experiences about Xishuangbanna here: Explore Xishuangbanna – Top Attractions and Things to Do in Yunnan.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Lijiang Old Town or the Jade Spring Park? I’d love to hear your thoughts and impressions. Share your experience with me on Instagram.

Frederic Konkel

My name is Frederic B. Konkel and to capture landscapes and cityscapes is a big passion of mine. I'm currently back in Berlin, Germany. I love to explore new places and I'm using my cameras to document these moments. On F.B.K. Photography I showcase a few impressions of my captured moments from around the world.