Jiuding Dragon Pool of Shuhe Old Town in Lijiang
Overview
Jiuding Dragon Pool (九鼎龙潭) is one of the renowned attractions in Shuhe Old Town (束河古镇), Lijiang (丽江), Yunnan Province (云南省). Nestled beneath Longquan Mountain (龙泉山), the pool is formed by a mountain spring, creating a crystal-clear basin teeming with aquatic life and vibrant plant life. The reflection of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) in the pool offers a poetic view, known as one of the “Eight Scenic Views of Shuhe” (束河八景) referred to as the “Reflection of the Snow Mountain.”
By the pool, there is a broken stone stele whose age is unknown. Striking it with a stone produces a crisp sound, celebrated as “The Sound of the Broken Stele” (断碑敲音), also part of the Eight Scenic Views of Shuhe.
Name and Location
- Chinese Name: 丽江束河九鼎龙潭
- English Name: Jiuding Dragon Pool of Shuhe Old Town in Lijiang
- Location: Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China
Highlights
- Mountain Spring: The pool is fed by mountain springs, ensuring the water remains exceptionally clear, earning it the nickname “Little Jiuzhaigou” (小九寨沟).
- Cultural Significance: The Naxi people (纳西族) regard this spring as sacred. Nearby, Longquan Temple (龙泉寺) has been built to honor the founder of cobbler handicraft.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush willows and towering cypress trees, the area is picturesque. The water is shallow but remains clear in summer and deep in winter, creating a stunning landscape.
- Historical Context: Jiuding Dragon Pool is known as the “Town of Springs” (泉镇), emphasizing the significance of water in the local culture.
Opening Hours
- Open Year-Round: Monday to Sunday, 00:00 – 24:00
Description
The Jiuding Dragon Pool lies to the west of Longquan Mountain and east of Qinglong River (青龙河), also referred to as “Longquan” (龙泉) by locals. It consists of two semi-circular stone pools, with a pavilion built between them, providing the best view of the Dragon Pool.
The water flows from the cracks in the rocks at the base of Longquan Mountain, and while the pool is not deep, its waters remain clear and pure. Local residents consider the fish swimming in the pool as sacred, often referred to as “divine fish” (神鱼). Legend has it that when people tried to catch these fish in the past, thunderstorms would gather, deterring any attempts to fish, and this belief still holds strong today.
How to Get There
To reach Jiuding Dragon Pool, visitors can walk approximately 100 meters northwest from the Shuhe Square Market (束河广场市场). Along the main street running through Shuhe Old Town, signs will guide you to this famous attraction.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The pool is beautiful year-round, but early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best lighting for photos.
- Respect Local Culture: Engage respectfully with the Naxi culture and traditions, especially when visiting sacred sites.
- Bring Essentials: Make sure to bring water and snacks, as facilities around the pool may be limited.
- Camera Ready: Don’t forget your camera! The picturesque views of the pool and surrounding mountains are perfect for photography.
- Explore Shuhe: Take some time to explore the rest of Shuhe Old Town, known for its charming streets and cultural heritage.
