park
Black Dragon Pool Park
Lijiang, China
2-3 hours
About
Built in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty, Black Dragon Pool Park (also called Yuquan Park) sits at the northern foot of Elephant Hill, only a 15-minute walk from Lijiang Ancient City. Crystal-clear spring water forms the quiet pool, dotted with time-honored wooden pavilions, stone arch bridges and ancient cypresses. Deyue Tower and Five-hole Bridge are iconic photography spots that frame the perfect reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on calm mornings. It blends Naxi ethnic culture, classical Chinese garden design and natural mountain scenery. The park has no separate entrance fee, but visitors need to present valid Lijiang Old Town maintenance fee payment records to enter during daytime hours.
Travel Tips
- The plateau has strong ultraviolet light all day long. Prepare sunscreen, sun hats and sunglasses for morning visits; bring a thin windproof jacket as temperature drops rapidly at dusk.
- Do not step on stone railings, lean over lake edges or wade into the pool for photos to prevent slipping into cold spring water. Watch children closely beside the water.
- Picking lotus flowers, feeding fish with bread, littering or carving ancient trees and wooden pavilions are strictly forbidden to protect the historic garden environment.
- Bottled water and souvenirs sold at park stalls are overpriced; bring your own drinking water and snacks before entering.
Facilities
ParkingPhotography Allowed
AdmissionFree Entry
Opening Hours
Mon07:30 - 21:00
Tue07:30 - 21:00
Wed07:30 - 21:00
Thu07:30 - 21:00
Fri07:30 - 21:00
Sat07:30 - 21:00
Sun07:30 - 21:00
Best Time to Visit
Spring to autumn sunny mornings for snow mountain lake reflections; evening after 19:00 for quietcrowd-free garden strolls.