Timeline
17:57
Enter Black Dragon Pool Park and walk north along the canal toward the center bridge. The park opens at 07:00, so you have plenty of time to arrive early and secure a good spot.
18:27
Trail to viewpoint and Black Dragon Pool Park (free)
Continue up the trail to the viewpoint. This walk takes about 24 minutes from the anchor, placing you at the top just as the golden light begins to fade. Look for the perfect background of Yu Long Xue Shan (The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) from the center bridge area before heading up.
18:47
Trail to viewpoint and Black Dragon Pool Park (free)
Stay at the viewpoint for the sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW, offering a clear view of the mountain silhouette against the darkening sky.
19:32
Head back down to the park entrance. It is now dark, and the traditional building styles are lit up. Check the route for your next destination as there are no food or drink shops listed in the immediate vicinity of the anchor.
Local tip
The park is popular with locals dancing or playing games. If you want a quiet moment for the photo, arrive well before the sunset time.
Check before you go
- Black Dragon Pool Park is open from 07:00 to 19:00.
- Admission is ¥50, but free for seniors over 60.
- Sunset times vary by season: 18:47 in January, 19:43 in April, 20:15 in July, and 18:51 in October.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Lijiang (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).