Black Dragon Pool Heilongtan Park
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Black Dragon Pool Heilongtan Park

4.3
·414 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 Heilongtan Park

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
(414 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 . 🚶

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 446 reviews

Type

National Park

👶 Good for kids

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 🚶

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 🚶

⛰️ 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
(414 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.

"Most beautiful scene in this little town of lijiang not far from center city, be in here in during the sunrise u will get a better view of yulong mountain with no clouds and water is clear like glass"

ab Cinema

"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

"I came in Saturday morning on 25 oct, no entrance fee, chill and relax not too many people"

Melosolo WS.

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.

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