Black Dragon Pool

Introducing Black Dragon Pool
Located in the forests of the Longquan Mountains north of Kunming, the Black Dragon Pool Park is the biggest Taoist abode in Kunming and is home to the largest sacred Taoist Temple in Central Yunnan with well preserved halls and mansions. Legend has it that a black dragon lived in the pool in the Black Dragon Pool Park.

Black Dragon Pool Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Hei Long Tan 黑龙潭
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Taoism, Flowers
• Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 15
• Address: No. 1 Lan’an Road, Ciba Town, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan Province

What to expect at Black Dragon Pool

The park, the Black Dragon Pool and the unique structures within have their origins in the Tang Dynasty and were substantially developed during the Ming Dynasty by the then Governor of Yunnan Mu Ying and over the centuries has been further developed. The Black Dragon Pool is actually two connected pools crossed by a bridge at the point where they meet. Fed by underground springs, the water in the deep large Black Dragon Pool is obviously clearer than that in the smaller pool and amazingly fish in one pool do not cross over to the other.

Within the park are two plum trees planted during the Tang Dynasty which still blossom though the trunks withered nearly a century ago, alongside are two Cypresses planted during the Song Dynasty. There is also a Fir planted in the Yuan Dynasty and a Camellia from the Ming Dynasty which obviously are the four wonders of the park apart from the pool. One of China’s grandest plum blossom themed festivals is held in the park each winter.

How to get to Black Dragon Pool
• By Bus: take bus No. 9, 79 or 128 and get off at Heilongtan Station.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Kunming to Black Dragon Pool.

Additional travel advice on Black Dragon Pool
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes as the park is large.
• UV is very strong in Kunming during daytime. It is suggested to wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to prevent sunburns.