Heilongtan Park — also known as Black Dragon Pool Park (黑龙潭公园, Hēi Lóng Tán Gōngyuán) — is one of Kunming’s most beautiful and culturally rich urban parks, located in the Panlong District at the foot of Longquan Mountain in the northern suburbs of the city.
? What It Is
Heilongtan Park is a large scenic park covering about 91.4 hectares of landscapes featuring clear springs, ancient forests, lakes, and traditional architecture. It’s a popular destination for nature walks, photography, picnics, and cultural exploration.
?️ Highlights
• Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭) – The park’s namesake is a distinctive pool where the water appears to split into clear and turbid sections, a natural curiosity said to never mix despite being connected. It’s a serene spot and often photographed.
• Longquan Temple and Black Dragon Palace – Historic Taoist structures dating back to the Ming Dynasty that reflect classic Chinese religious architecture and the park’s spiritual heritage.
• Plum Blossom Garden – One of the park’s signature attractions in winter; the garden features over 1,700 plum trees of many varieties and hosts a plum blossom festival each year.
• Rhododendron Valley & Red Maple Forest – In spring and autumn respectively, these areas fill with blooms and vibrant foliage, making them great for seasonal visits.
• Osmanthus Garden & Boutique Garden – Fragrant and quiet spots perfect for a stroll or relaxation amid floral scents.
?️ Best Times to Visit
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Winter (Dec–Feb): Plum blossoms in full bloom.
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Spring (Apr–May): Rhododendrons and other flowers bloom.
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Autumn (Oct–Nov): Red maples create spectacular fall colors.
? Practical Info
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Location: No.1 Lan’an Road, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan Province.
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Admission: Small entrance fee (~¥7.5 historically, with some discounts).
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Getting There: Accessible by local buses such as Bus 9, 79, or 128 to Heilongtan stop.
? Why Go?
Heilongtan Park offers a blend of natural beauty, seasonal floral displays, and historical Chinese cultural sites — all within easy reach of Kunming. It’s a quieter alternative to downtown parks and especially rewarding during blooming or foliage seasons.