Bailong Spring in Hongta District, Yuxi

Bailong Spring (白龙泉) is located at the foot of Longma Mountain (龙马山), northeast of Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is about 10 kilometers from downtown Yuxi and is known for its picturesque scenery and serene atmosphere.

History and Culture

Bailong Temple (白龙祠):
The existing Bailong Temple consists of four sections and three courtyards. The front section is called the "Inverted Platform Building" (倒台楼), which has a stage above and a carved water pool below, with side rooms on each end. The second hall is the Dragon Hall (龙殿), the third is the Hall of Common Origins of Two Teachings (二教同源殿), and the rear hall is the Guanyin Hall (观音殿).

Legend:
According to legend, in ancient times, a girl from Shangshantou Village (上山头村) of the Ruan family fell in love with a young farmer. He promised to solve the village’s water shortage. On their wedding day, he rode a horse and dug a canal, bringing water from Bailong Pond (白龙潭) to the village. Since then, villagers used the water to irrigate their crops and lived in prosperity.

Local Customs

Bailong Spring (白龙泉) is a vibrant site for local traditions, including celebrations of traditional festivals like Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. Bailong Temple (白龙祠) also serves as a key location for local residents to pray for blessings.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Yuxi (玉溪) features a subtropical plateau monsoon climate with distinct seasons and mild temperatures. The most pleasant times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the climate is comfortable and the scenery is at its best.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Bailong Temple (白龙祠):
Suggested visiting time: ~1 hour
A unique architectural gem and the central feature of the Bailong Spring area.

Bailong Spring (白龙泉):
Suggested visiting time: ~1 hour
The spring water gushes from a rock fissure on the mountainside of Longma Mountain (龙马山), cascading down the rocks with a distinctive scenic appeal.

Immortal’s Cave (仙人洞):
Suggested visiting time: ~30 minutes
Filled with fantastically shaped rock formations, this cave is said to be the post-wedding residence of the White Dragon Emperor and Madam Ruan.

Admission

Bailong Spring (白龙泉) is open to the public free of charge.

Transportation

By Car:
From Yuxi City (玉溪市), drive along Longma Mountain Road (龙马山路) for about 10 kilometers, approximately a 20-minute drive.

By Public Transport:
Take a local bus from Yuxi City (玉溪市). Check with the local bus company for the exact route.

Cuisine

Local specialties include copper pot fish (铜锅鱼), Chengjiang lotus root starch (澄江藕粉), and wild fish from Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖野生鱼), all of which can be enjoyed at local restaurants.

Shopping

In downtown Yuxi (玉溪市), visitors can buy local specialties such as Chengjiang lotus root starch (澄江藕粉) and seasoning for copper pot fish (铜锅鱼调料).

Accommodation

City Hotels:
A wide range of reasonably priced hotels are available in Yuxi City (玉溪市).

Guesthouses:
Around Bailong Spring (白龙泉), there are local guesthouses offering an opportunity to experience local life.

Visitor Tips

• Protect the Environment: Please avoid littering and help preserve the natural surroundings.
• Safety First: Be cautious when exploring elevated or rocky areas and follow park regulations.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Morning – Arrive in Yuxi City (玉溪市), visit Bailong Temple (白龙祠)
Afternoon – Explore Bailong Spring (白龙泉) and enjoy the scenic waters

Day 2:
Morning – Visit Immortal’s Cave (仙人洞) and learn about the local legends
Afternoon – Return to the city, enjoy local cuisine and shop for souvenirs

Bailong Spring (白龙泉), one of Yuxi’s (玉溪市) most renowned scenic destinations, blends rich cultural history with stunning natural beauty. We hope your journey to Yuxi leaves you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation of the charm of Bailong Spring.