Black Dragon Pool

Praised as the first resort, the Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan) possesses four amazingly spectacular scenes. The two gorgeous ancient plum trees planted by a celebrated monk in Tang Dynasty (618-907) are still attractive and the newly planted plum grove with 6,000 plum trees adds a lot charms to them. The 28-meter-tall cypress that has been standing here for 900 years since Song Dynasty (960-1234) wins great admirations. The flourishing teas with blooming red flowers and the magnificent ancient tomb built in Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) are the other two spectacles that make here shinning.

Tow important buildings complexes in the Black Dragon Pool are the Dragon Spring Temple (Longquan Temple) and Black Dragon Palace. Longquan Temple, the largest structure in the park, was first built along the pool early in the Han Dynasty. Most of the buildings visitors see today were completed during the Qing Dynasty. The Black Dragon Palace is at the bank of the pool, which is where memorial ceremonies were once held. This palace was built in the Ming Dynasty, around 700 years ago. It consists of three halls and two courtyards.

In front of the two temples, visitors will find ancient huge ancient trees, namely a plum tree, a cypress tree and a camellia tree. The three ancient trees add even more charm to that attraction. The plum tree was planted over 1,200 years ago in the Tang Dynasty. The branches of the tree spread out in all the directions its roots twisting crisscrossed. The cypress tree, planted in the Song Dynasty, is a bit younger. The tree trunk takes four-five man to circle with their arms stretched out. The third tree is a camellia tree grew in the Ming Dynasty.

Opening Hours: 7:00 -- 18:00

Ticket Price: 20 CNY

Location: in north suburban area, Panlong Zone, Kunming

Transportation: Bus No. 9, 84, 114,115, 129 and 168 will bring you here.