White Dragon Pool in Heqing County, Dali

Heqing County (鹤庆县) is known as the “Land of Dragon Pools (龙潭之乡),” with a legendary count of 108 dragon pools, each with its own unique shape and size. These natural pools are not only visually captivating but also carry rich historical and cultural significance. Today, we begin our journey from Huanglongtan (黄龙潭) and head into the heart of Heqing’s dragon pool heritage to experience its one-of-a-kind charm.

Bailongtan: A Mirror-like Highland Spring Lake

Bailongtan (白龙潭) is located in Luowei Village (罗伟邑村), Caohai Town (草海镇), about 3 kilometers from Heqing County (鹤庆县) in the direction of Xinhua Village (新华村). This highland freshwater lake is fed by mountain spring water that gushes from crevices in Jiuding Mountain (九鼎山). The lake’s crystal-clear waters are tranquil and mirror-like, earning it the nickname “Mirror Pool (镜潭)”. It is also the setting of one of the “Eight Scenic Views of Heyang (鹤阳八景),” known as “Jingtai Xueshi (镜台雪石)”.

Stone Inscriptions on Xueshi Cliff

On the western bank of Bailongtan (白龙潭), a trail leads uphill to a massive white cliff face adorned with stone carvings (摩崖石刻), known collectively as “Xueshi Cliff Inscriptions (雪石岩石刻)”. There are ten known inscriptions on the cliff, the most notable being the characters “雪石岩” (“Xueshi Cliff”), written in the Jia Jing Ding Hai year (嘉靖丁亥年) of the Ming Dynasty by Ma Qing (马卿), the regional magistrate at the time. His calligraphy is known for its elegance and vigor, adding a poetic flair to the serene setting.

A Scenic Vista and Natural Painting

Climbing to the top of Xueshi Cliff (雪石岩) offers a panoramic view of the entire Bailongtan (白龙潭). A winding willow-lined causeway cuts across the lake, splitting the water surface in two like a green gem embedded in the earth. Surrounded by villages and distant mountains, the scene resembles a living landscape painting.

A Tranquil Retreat

Strolling along Bailongtan (白龙潭), one can scoop fresh spring water from the source and enjoy its sweet, refreshing taste. For those needing a rest, shaded walkways and leisure pavilions provide peaceful spots to pause. A gentle breeze ripples through the hanging willows, brushing the lake’s surface and forming delicate waves. Looking up, the floating white clouds, snowy cliff walls, and lush green trees are all reflected in the still water, creating a natural ink-and-wash painting that captures the essence of Chinese landscape aesthetics.