Black Dragon Pool

Exceptional Sights in Lijiang, Yunnan Province

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368 CE – 1644 CE), Black Dragon Pool is perched 12 kilometers from the suburb of Lijiang. The water in the pool is dark green, and it was said that a black dragon lay hidden in the pool, and thus the name “Black Dragon Poll” was born.

As a famous Taoist temple in ancient times, Black Dragon Pool is composed of Longquan Temple (Dragon Spring Temple) and Black Dragon Palace, both of which are enveloped by verdant trees. The temples were enlarged and reconstructed several times during subsequent dynasties. Most of the buildings in the scenic area today were completed during Qing Dynasty (1644 CE – 1912 CE). Black Dragon Pool is well-known for its four scenic features: plum  trees were planted during the Tang Dynasty, cypresses in the Song Dynasty, camellia during the Ming Dynasty, and tomb in Ming Dynasty.

The ancient plum tree was planted 1,200 years ago during Tang Dynasty. Its main branch has already died of old age, however the remaining branches are growing vigorously. The cypress, at 28 meters high, is more than 900 years old and is among the loftiest ancient trees in all China. The trunk of the cypress tree is so thick that it takes five adults to encircle it by holding hands. The camellia stands in the vicinity of the plum and cypress trees. Every year in early spring, when other camellias are just in buds, this one is often  in full blossom.