Lijiang is not only home to the ancient towns of Dayan and Shuhe, but also to the mysterious Black Dragon Pool at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, surrounded by mountains and water.
This is not an ordinary attraction, but an immersive experience that combines history, culture and nature, and is worth a special visit for every traveler.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Black Dragon Lake
Black Dragon Pool, also known as Yuquan Park, was built in the second year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1737), and then rebuilt twice in the 60th year of Qianlong and the 18th year of Guangxu. It was named after two emperors of the Qing Dynasty who bestowed the title of “Dragon God”.
The ancient architectural complex includes the Dragon God Shrine, Moon Tower, Cuicui Bridge and Jade Emperor Pavilion, as well as historical buildings such as the Five Phoenixes Building of the Ming Dynasty and the Oriole Pavilion of the Qing Dynasty.
Why Black Dragon Lake is not to be missed?
Mirror-like pool, photographer’s paradise
At around 6:30 in the morning, the water of the pool is like a mirror, reflecting the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the blue sky. Whether it is a camera or a drone, you can frame the beautiful picture of the “Mirror of the Sky”.
Naxi culture, living heritage
The Yueyue Building on the small island in the pool has left the footprints of Xu Xiake; the couplets on the Cuicui Bridge hide the wisdom of the Naxi people; and the inscriptions in the Dongba script at the Dragon God Shrine tell the story of the Naxi people’s symbiosis with water.
Feast of five senses, immersed in nature
Close your eyes and listen to the tinkling of the spring water and the wind chimes, take a deep breath and feel the fragrance of the cedar and azalea, and reach out and touch the cold water of 12℃ – this is a pure experience of dialog with nature.
Must-play list
Moon Tower: Overlooking the Reflection of Snow Mountain
The three-story wooden building is a landmark of Black Dragon Lake. On the second floor, the Naxi Dongba script is on display, where you can learn about the history of this mysterious writing system.
Lock Cui Bridge: Snowy Mountain Reflection and Prayer Ribbon
The snow-capped mountains are reflected in the eyes of the stone lions at the head of the bridge, and the wooden boat under the bridge is tied with colorful prayer ribbons. This is both a photo spot and a place for locals to pray for blessings.
Dragon God Shrine: Spiritual Sanctuary of the Naxi People
The red-walled building is dedicated to the Black Dragon King, and the Dongba inscription in front of the shrine tells the story of the Naxi people and water, showing the reverence for nature.
Specialty Play
Morning Light Chaser
Wake up at 5:30 a.m. to seize the Lock Cui Bridge opportunity to capture the moment when the reflection of the snow-capped mountains is intertwined with the morning mist. You can also join the morning exercise team and play Tai Chi by the pool to feel the “unity of heaven and man”.
Explore Black Dragon Pool at Night
Avoid the crowds and visit the secret place where the water glows with an eerie blue light at night. Bring a flashlight to look for the “Black Dragon Scales” (a geological wonder) at the bottom of the pool, or join the Friday Night School on Dongba Culture to hear the legend of the Black Dragon.
Creative Experience
Rent a Naxi costume to take a picture of the Naxi Princess under the snowy mountain, or fill a bottle of water with glass to take away the “snowy mountain aura”.
Suggested Itinerary
Half-day tour (easy version)
9:00-10:00: Cuicui Bridge and Moonlight Tower Photography
10:30-11:30: Cultural exploration of the Dragon God Shrine
12:00: Tasting Chickpea Cold Noodles by the poolside
One-day tour (in-depth version)
6:30-8:00: Morning mist photography + Taiji experience
9:30-11:00: Dongba Culture Study (reservation required)
14:00-16:00: Creative Photography + Souvenir Making
19:00: Night exploration of Black Dragon Pool (safe area)
Practical Tips
Tickets: included in the maintenance fee of the ancient city, no need to buy separately.
Photography: It is recommended to bring polarizer to reduce reflection.
Cultural Taboos: Keep quiet inside the Dragon God Shrine, swimming is prohibited.
The Black Dragon Pool is not only an attraction, but also a journey through time and space.
Standing at the edge of the pool, watching the reflection of the snow-capped mountains shatter into starlight, listening to the wind chimes and spring water ensemble, you will understand: the charm of Lijiang is hidden in these quiet corners.
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