Black Dragon Pool Park

Introduction & Historical Significance
Nestled at the foot of Longquan Mountain’s Five Elders Peak in northern Kunming, Black Dragon Pool Park is a 3A-level scenic area and national cultural heritage site with a 2,000-year history dating to the Western Han Dynasty’s Black Water Temple. Renowned as the "First Ancient Shrine in Central Yunnan," it predates Kunming’s founding by 870 years. The park blends Taoist culture, ancient architecture, and natural landscapes, featuring iconic sites like the twin ponds—clear and murky waters separated yet connected, forming a natural "yin-yang" pattern. It hosts China’s longest-running plum blossom festival, "Longquan Plum Exploration," listed as a provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Architectural Layout & Design
The 91.4-hectare park harmonizes nature with human craftsmanship:

• Longquan Temple Complex: Ming-Qing era structures including the Dragon King Shrine, Sanqing Hall, and Yuhuang Pavilion, adorned with intricate dougong brackets and stone inscriptions.
• Twin Ponds: The 2,600m² turbid pond (50cm deep) and 600m² clear pond (7m deep, max 11m) create a striking "two-tone water" phenomenon. A stone bridge divides them, embodying Taoist duality.
• Cultural Relics: Over 50 Tang-Song stone inscriptions, including the "Nanzhao Stone Casket," and ancient trees like the 1,300-year-old Tang Plum and 800-year-old Song Cypress.
• Landscape Integration: Pathways winding through plum groves, bamboo forests, and seasonal flower gardens, culminating in viewpoints overlooking the park’s 13 peaks.

Major Attractions

• Longquan Plum Exploration: Annual winter-Spring Festival featuring over 10,000 plum trees in full bloom, with cultural performances and tea ceremonies.
• Dragon King Shrine: A Ming-era Taoist sanctuary with a black dragon sculpture believed to control weather, surrounded by prayer poles and incense courtyards.
• Sanqing Hall & Yuhuang Pavilion: Dedicated to Taoist deities, offering panoramic views of the park’s forests and distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
• Ancient Inscriptions Trail: A path showcasing Tang-Song stone carvings and the famed "Nanzhao Stone Casket" inscribed with Buddhist sutras.
• Seasonal Flower Exhibits: Spring azaleas, summer lotus, autumn maples, and winter camellias ensure year-round floral displays.

Ticket Information

• General Admission: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors), free for children under 1.2m.
• Bundled Tickets: ¥60 for park+cable car; ¥100-150 for combined tickets with Kunming Botanical Garden.
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 daily; last entry 17:30.
• Special Venues: Separate tickets for cultural performances (¥30-50) and photography workshops (¥80).

Transportation Guide

• Public Transport: Buses 3/4/8/9 directly to the park gate; shuttle buses from Kunming Railway Station (¥10).
• Self-Drive: 20-minute drive via G56 Highway; parking at north gate (¥10/day).
• Bike/E-Scooter: Rentals available at entrance (¥20-30/day) for coastal rides.
• Airport Access: Direct shuttle from Kunming Changshui Airport (¥30) or taxi (¥60).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: January-February for plum blossoms; October-November for autumn foliage; avoid summer monsoons.
• Photography: Dawn for misty pond views; dusk for golden-hour lighting on ancient trees and pavilions.
• Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering Taoist shrines; respect quiet zones during prayer sessions.
• Packing: Light layers, sunscreen, hats, and sturdy shoes; bring cash for artisan markets.
• Dining: Must-try dishes include "Yunnan-style Wild Mushroom Hotpot" and rose-flavored pastries at park cafés.

Nearby Attractions & Itineraries

• Combined Tours:
  • Morning: Plum blossom exploration + ancient inscription trail.
  • Afternoon: Visit Kunming Botanical Garden (3km) for rare flora or the Western Mountain Forest Park for panoramic views.
  • Evening: Jinma Biji Square night market or Dianchi Lake sunset cruise.
• Cultural Synergy: Pair with the Stone Forest for karst landscapes or Yunnan Nationalities Village for ethnic culture.

Kunming Black Dragon Pool Park embodies the soul of Yunnan—where ancient stones whisper tales of emperors, and spring winds carry the scent of plum blossoms. As a UNESCO-recognized sanctuary, it continues to inspire global travelers seeking both cultural depth and natural serenity in China’s Southwest.