Black Dragon Pool
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Black Dragon Pool Heilongtan Park

4.3
·428 reviews·Li Jiang Shi, China

A tranquil park in Lijiang offering serene lake views and iconic vistas of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light

CrowdMedium
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Black Dragon Pool

Black Dragon Pool Heilongtan Park

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil park in Lijiang offering serene lake views and iconic vistas of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

4.3
(428 reviews)

"Beautiful! 50RMB to get in from some entrances, BUT THERE ARE PLACES WHERE YOU CAN ENTER FOR FREE WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Find Free Entry Points

Look for less-obvious entrances near the Lijiang Museum or further lakes to avoid the 50 RMB fee . :moneywithwings:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond Main Areas

Wander away from the central attractions to discover quieter spots and unique perspectives of the park . :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Views

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Views

Overlooking the park

Breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain serve as a stunning backdrop.

The Central Temple Structure

The Central Temple Structure

Middle of the lake

A picturesque temple-like structure sits in the lake, connected by a charming bridge, creating a serene focal point.

Elephant Mountain Hike

Elephant Mountain Hike

Within the park

A paved hike offering rewarding vistas of Lijiang; can be done as an out-and-back or part of a longer exploration.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Entry Fees

While some entrances charge around 50 RMB, savvy travelers suggest finding free entry points, especially near the Lijiang Museum or further lakes. Arriving closer to closing time might also reveal open gates. Explore the park's periphery first to potentially save money and discover hidden gems.Reddit

Embrace the Serenity

This park is ideal for a peaceful stroll and quiet contemplation, offering stunning views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It's a therapeutic escape, perfect for unwinding and enjoying scenic beauty without the hustle.Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@brotha_bruce
97.8K likes • 2.5M views

🤫 Find Free Entry Points

Look for less-obvious entrances near the Lijiang Museum or further lakes to avoid the 50 RMB fee.Reddit :moneywithwings:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond Main Areas

Wander away from the central attractions to discover quieter spots and unique perspectives of the park.Reddit :walking:

If you’ve seen the other videos moving him, this is big improvement 😁 #reptile #lizard #blackdragon
@thereptilezoo
77.8K likes • 1.4M views
Back Dragon Pool Kunming (2000) back ground Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Lijiang Yunnan #blackdragonpool黑龙潭公园 #wwculinarytouryunnan #wwkuliner #wwculinaryadventure #wwculinarytour #oppofindx3pro5g #acmi
williamwongso
171 likes • 0 views

⛰️ Hike Elephant Mountain

For great views, tackle the paved Elephant Mountain hike within the park. Allow ample time.Reddit :hiking_boot:

📸 Capture Mountain Vistas

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views are iconic; aim for clear days for the best photographic opportunities.Instagram :camerawithflash:

Black Dragon Pool Park, Lijiang
duta_ong
138 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Find Free Entry Points

Look for less-obvious entrances near the Lijiang Museum or further lakes to avoid the 50 RMB fee.Reddit :moneywithwings:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond Main Areas

Wander away from the central attractions to discover quieter spots and unique perspectives of the park.Reddit :walking:

⛰️ Hike Elephant Mountain

For great views, tackle the paved Elephant Mountain hike within the park. Allow ample time.Reddit :hiking_boot:

📸 Capture Mountain Vistas

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views are iconic; aim for clear days for the best photographic opportunities.Instagram :camerawithflash:

⏳ Allow Ample Time

To fully appreciate the park and its museum, dedicate at least 4 hours to your visit.Reddit :clock1:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(428 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Black Dragon Pool Park for its serene beauty and the breathtaking views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll. The potential for free entry is a significant plus for budget travelers, though some find the paid entry worthwhile for the extensive exploration it allows.

"The Black Dragon lake is a beautiful area for a romantic stroll. The views from here of the Jade Dragon Snow mountain are fantastic. A nice place for a calm stroll around the lake and spend some quiet time. There is a temple like structure in the middle of the lake and a little bridge which all together makes it a cool scenic place to sit and look at."

Vijay Joshi

"Beautiful! 50RMB to get in from some entrances, BUT THERE ARE PLACES WHERE YOU CAN ENTER FOR FREE WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Instead of entering near the main attractions, enter at one of the “further” lakes. View where the Lijiang museum is on the map, and look to the road. Walking around there and further from the mai n attractions, there should be a way to get in. As of 6pm right now, multiple are open. Once inside, cross a bridge walk down towards the main attractions. This way, you’ll see the whole park, all the gorgeous lakes, and hopefully save some money lol.

I paid and personally think it was worth it. It is beautiful, and if you explore the entire grounds, it could take 4+ hours. There is a 3-story Dongba culture museum (which is mostly in Chinese so I skimmed through) but was extremely interesting. There is a hike of Elephant Mountain, or 象山。 It provides great views of Lijiang, and both the starting and end points are in the park, or you could do it as an out and back, which is how I did it. It took me about 50minutes in total to get to the almost top (heard thunder and turned) and back down. However, I was really pushing and am very very active so doing the full hike could probably be 2+ hours, depending on pace. The hike is all paved and stairs.

TLDR it’s really pretty and if you don’t enter from the main gates it could be free. If those gates are closed, come back closer to closing time."

abby

"Great walk to Black dragon pool. Do the day hike from Lijiang Old town just 1.5 km."

Klongthip Teerarassamee

What People Like

Stunning mountain views
Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Scenic lake and bridge

What People Dislike

Entrance fee can be high
Museum primarily in Chinese

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can enjoy a pleasant walk from Lijiang Old Town to Black Dragon Pool Park, approximately 1.5 km.Reddit Taxis are also readily available for a quicker journey. Some visitors mention finding free entry points by exploring the park's periphery, suggesting a walk around the outer areas might lead to access without a fee.Reddit

While specific bus routes can vary, taxis are a reliable and common way to reach the park from Lijiang. Exploring the park's edges might reveal less formal entry points, making the journey more about discovery than strict navigation.Reddit

Many travelers recommend entering from areas other than the main gates, such as near the Lijiang Museum or further lakes, to potentially avoid the entrance fee.Reddit This approach also allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the entire park.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The official entrance fee can be around 50 RMB, but many visitors have found ways to enter for free by using alternative, less formal entry points located around the park's perimeter.Reddit Checking closer to closing time might also present opportunities for free access.Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely available. However, the most common tip for saving money is to seek out the free entry points mentioned by other visitors.Reddit This often involves exploring the park's outer lakes and areas away from the main attractions.

The park is generally open throughout the day, but specific hours can vary. Some visitors suggest that coming closer to closing time might offer opportunities for free entry, implying it remains accessible for a significant portion of the day.Reddit

While online ticketing options are not frequently mentioned, the primary advice revolves around finding free entry points or paying the fee at designated entrances. It's advisable to check local ticketing platforms or inquire upon arrival if online booking is a priority.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Key attractions include the stunning views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a picturesque temple structure in the middle of the lake with a bridge, and the Dongba culture museum. The Elephant Mountain hike is also a popular activity within the park.Reddit

Absolutely! The park is described as a beautiful and serene area perfect for a romantic stroll, offering peaceful ambiance and scenic views that create a lovely atmosphere for couples.Reddit

To fully explore the grounds, including the museum and potentially the Elephant Mountain hike, it can take 4+ hours.Reddit A leisurely stroll around the lake can be done in a shorter time, perhaps 1-2 hours.

The Dongba culture museum within the park is a 3-story building. While mostly in Chinese, it offers an interesting glimpse into the local culture and history for those who explore it.Reddit

Swimming in Black Dragon Pool is generally not permitted as it is a scenic park. The videos showing swimming often refer to different locations or activities unrelated to the park itself.TikTok+3

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo opportunities are the views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, especially on clear days.Instagram The temple structure in the lake with its bridge also makes for a beautiful, serene shot. Exploring different angles around the lake will reveal many scenic compositions.

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the scenery. Early mornings offer a peaceful atmosphere and softer light. Clear days are crucial for capturing the best views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.Instagram

No specific restrictions on photography are commonly mentioned. Visitors are encouraged to capture the beauty of the park, but standard etiquette regarding respecting the environment and other visitors should be followed.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Black Dragon Pool Park offers a relatively calm environment for families. The paved paths are easy for strollers, and the open spaces around the lakes provide room for children to move. The Dongba culture museum can be an interesting, albeit language-dependent, educational stop. The visual appeal of the mountain views and the central lake structure can capture children's attention, making it a pleasant outing for a few hours.

While there aren't specific playgrounds, the natural setting itself is the attraction. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options within the park might be limited. Consider the Elephant Mountain hike only if your children are accustomed to walking and climbing stairs, as it can be moderately challenging.Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Black Dragon Pool Park presents a fantastic opportunity. The most significant tip is to actively seek out the free entry points located around the park's periphery, often near the Lijiang Museum or further lakes.Reddit This can save the standard 50 RMB entrance fee. Arriving closer to closing time might also be a strategy to find open gates.Reddit

Once inside, the park offers hours of exploration without further cost. Pack your own food and water to avoid purchasing them at potentially higher prices within the park. The walk from Lijiang Old Town is also a free and scenic way to reach the park, further reducing expenses.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the 'Black Dragon' Name

The name 'Black Dragon Pool' (Heilongtan) evokes a sense of mystery and natural wonder. While the park is known for its serene beauty and views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the name itself doesn't directly relate to actual dragons residing in the pool. Instead, it likely draws from local folklore or the dark, reflective quality of the water, which can appear deep and mysterious, especially under certain lighting conditions.

Some TikTok videos feature large lizards, often identified as Asian Water Monitors, which are sometimes referred to as 'black dragons' in a colloquial sense due to their appearance.TikTok+1 However, these creatures are not native to the Black Dragon Pool Park in Lijiang and are likely from different contexts or zoos featured in those specific videos. The park's allure lies in its natural landscape and cultural significance, not in the presence of mythical or exotic reptiles.TikTok+1

Exploring the Park's Layout and Features

Black Dragon Pool Park is a sprawling natural landscape that encompasses several interconnected lakes, lush greenery, and walking paths. The park's layout is designed to offer a tranquil experience, with the central feature being the main pool that reflects the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on clear days.Instagram+1 A charming bridge often connects to a small island or pavilion within this main pool, creating a picturesque scene.

Beyond the main pool, the park extends to other lakes and areas, including the Dongba culture museum, which provides insights into the local Naxi ethnic group's heritage. For those seeking a more active experience, the hike up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) offers panoramic views of Lijiang city and the surrounding landscape.Reddit The park is also part of a larger network of natural attractions in the region, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring Yunnan province.Instagram

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