Lijiang
Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan), Lijiang
Lijiang's postcard view
Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan), set inside Jade Spring Park at the northern edge of Lijiang Old Town, frames what may be the single most photographed view in Yunnan: the graceful Deyue Pavilion and the five-arched Suocui Bridge mirrored in still spring water, with the snowy ridge of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain floating behind. The pool is fed by springs that surface here and then flow on through the canals of the Old Town.
Deyue Pavilion and Suocui Bridge with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The park dates to 1737 and gathers several elegant historic buildings around the water, including the Moon-Embracing Pavilion, the One-Cloud Tower (Deyue) and a relocated Five Phoenix Hall (Wufeng Lou). Paved paths loop the pool, passing willow-lined banks, small bridges and quiet corners that feel a world away from the busy lanes below.
Things to see and do
- Photograph the classic reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the bridge on a clear morning.
- Stroll the lakeside path to the Dongba Culture Museum at the park's north end to learn about Naxi script and ritual.
- Watch local elders practising music, calligraphy and tai chi among the pavilions.
Pavilion reflected in the still spring water
Opening hours & tickets
Jade Spring Park / Black Dragon Pool is open daily, roughly 07:00–19:00. Entry is free, but staff may ask to see your Lijiang Old Town Maintenance Fee receipt (CNY 50) at the gate, so bring it with you. The adjoining Dongba Culture Museum charges a small separate fee.
Getting there
The park is about 1.5 km north of Sifang Street — a 20-minute walk up through the Old Town, or a short taxi/bus ride. Many visitors combine it with a morning in the Old Town before crowds build.
Willow banks and bridges around the pool
Best time to visit
Come early on a clear, windless morning, ideally in autumn (September–November) when skies are crispest and the water is mirror-still — essential for the famous reflection. The mountain often clouds over by midday, so the reflection shot rewards early risers. Spring willows and autumn colour both make the park especially pretty.
Highlights
- The classic reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the pool
- Graceful Deyue Pavilion and five-arched Suocui Bridge
- Historic Qing-era park founded in 1737
- Dongba Culture Museum at the north end
- Free entry within walking distance of the Old Town
Travel Tips
Arrive at dawn for the reflection
The mountain clouds over by midday; clear, windless mornings give the mirror-still water and the famous photo.
Bring the Old Town fee receipt
Entry is free but the CNY 50 maintenance-fee receipt may be checked at the gate.
Combine with the Old Town
It's a 20-minute uphill walk from Sifang Street, ideal first thing before the lanes fill up.
