Dashu Dragon Pool in Mile City, Honghe
Overview
Dashu Dragon Pool (大树龙潭) is located at the foot of Xishan Mountain (西山) in Dashu Village (大树村), Miyang Town (弥阳镇) of Mile City (弥勒县), Honghe Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. Surrounded by ancient trees and lush greenery, the spring from which the pool derives its name has an average flow rate of 1.82 cubic meters per second, making it one of the largest springs in Mile County.
The Dashu Dragon Pool is renowned for its rare phenomenon that occurs once or twice a year, where the spring water suddenly halts, and the pool water flows back into the spring. Hours later, muddy water bursts forth like a dragon spouting water into the sky, eventually clearing up, marking it as a remarkable local sight.
Annual Temple Fair
The Excitement of the Temple Fair
The annual Dashu Dragon Pool Temple Fair (弥勒大树龙潭庙会) takes place on the third day of the third lunar month (农历三月初三). This festive event draws crowds for its lively atmosphere and cultural significance.
This year, the fair lasts for five days, starting on April 7. The fair features the unique “灰堆酒” (Huī Duī Jiǔ), vibrant performances, and a bustling environment, particularly on the final day.
Culinary Delights
Visitors, especially those from outside the province, come to enjoy a wide array of delicious local foods. The fair offers:
- Braised Chicken (卤鸡)
- Potato Dishes (洋芋)
- Cold Rice Noodles (凉米线)
- Tofu (豆腐)
Stalls line the streets, attracting passersby with mouth-watering aromas and flavors, inviting everyone to indulge in the culinary offerings.
Huī Duī Jiǔ: A Must-Try
“Huī Duī Jiǔ” features specialties like donkey meat and mule meat, making it a highlight of the fair. Many visitors come specifically for this experience, enjoying hot pots filled with lamb soup, donkey meat, and mule meat, accompanied by copious amounts of alcohol. The street is filled with vendors serving this popular dish, creating a festive atmosphere as night falls.
Community Spirit
The fair is not only about food but also about gathering with friends. People come together, sharing laughs and stories over hearty meals and drinks.
Visitor Experience
Zhang Youyuan (张又元), a visitor from Yinchuan (银川) in Ningxia (宁夏), expressed his excitement: “We came to Mile from the Northwest and loved this place. It’s my first time at a temple fair, and experiencing the local customs with so many people is incredibly joyful. The hot pot is delicious, and Mile is truly a great place!”
Nighttime Festivities
The temple fair also includes vibrant evening performances, ensuring that the festivities continue late into the night. Crowds gather to enjoy the shows, leaving behind their worries to dance and celebrate together.
Scenic Beauty
Dashu Dragon Pool offers beautiful scenery, with shade from the trees providing a cool respite from the summer heat. After exploring the fair, visitors can relax by the pool, enjoying the gentle breeze and tranquil environment.
How to Get There
To reach Dashu Dragon Pool, visitors can take public transport or drive from Mile City. The site is well-marked and accessible, making it easy for travelers to find.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The temple fair occurs annually on the third day of the third lunar month; it’s advisable to plan your visit around this time to experience the festivities.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying the local delicacies, especially “Huī Duī Jiǔ,” to fully immerse yourself in the culinary culture.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as the fair can be busy and require a lot of walking.
- Respect Local Customs: Participate respectfully in the festivities and be mindful of local traditions.
- Stay Hydrated: The weather can be hot, so drink plenty of water while enjoying the fair.
