黒龍潭公園

Black Dragon Pool Park sits at the foot of Elephant Hill on the northern edge of Lijiang Old Town, centered on a clear spring-fed pool that has long been one of the city's most photographed spots. The park holds a special place in the visual identity of Lijiang, as views from here combine traditional architecture, still water, and the distant peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in a single frame, a classic image associated with the destination.

Walking through the park, visitors will find a scenic pool surrounded by pavilions, bridges, and historic structures reflecting traditional Chinese garden design, with the water's surface often creating mirror-like reflections on calm days. A path leads up Elephant Hill within the park, offering an elevated vantage point to look back over the rooftops of Lijiang Old Town, giving visitors a broader sense of the city's layout alongside the mountain views. The combination of garden scenery, historic buildings, and panoramic viewpoints makes it one of the more varied attractions within easy reach of the old town.

A visit here generally takes an hour or two, including time to walk around the pool and climb partway up the hill for the viewpoint. Because it borders the old town directly, it is easily reached on foot and can be combined with a broader walk through Lijiang's historic streets.

Given its location right at the edge of Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool Park is one of the easiest and most rewarding side trips for visitors already exploring the historic center, and it is often included as a natural extension of a day spent in the old town.