Tianxing Pool

Tianxing Pool

Located 35 kilometers southwest of the county seat of Shengxian. Surrounded by sheer cliffs, it is an extraordinarily perilous spot. The pool is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, shaped like an upside-down bell, half-hidden within the cliff and divided in two by a stone threshold. The pool is extremely deep and never dries up all year round. Legend has it that a dragon resides here, and there is even a "dragon bed" on the cliff. In the old days, when Shengxian and Dongyang suffered severe droughts, people often came here to welcome the dragon and pray for rain.

Exiting from Nanshan Lake and traveling five kilometers south along the winding mountain road, you will see majestic mountains and dense bamboo forests. The Ban Tan River, originating from Dongyang, meanders through the landscape before suddenly plummeting down from towering cliffs. Over hundreds of years, the constant dripping of water has eroded the rock, eventually forming this pool. Standing on the mountain road above and looking down, you’ll see the crystal-clear water, emerald-like in color—this is Tianxing Pool.

Originally named Tianxing Pool, it is also known as Sanxuan Pool. It is the centerpiece of the Tianxing Pool scenic area, part of the Nanshan Scenic Area, a provincial-level scenic attraction in Zhejiang Province.

Tianxing Pool is surrounded by cliffs that rise vertically, as if cleaved by knives and axes, reaching heights of a thousand feet, shrouded year-round in mist and exuding formidable danger. The pool is narrow at the top and broadens at the bottom, resembling an upside-down bell, half-concealed within the cliff. A stone threshold inside divides the pool into two sections. A single narrow path, no more than a foot wide and nearly at a right angle, connects it to the mountain road—a sight that daunts even the bravest, as one must have great courage to descend. The area remains cool in summer and warm in winter. In summer, a chilly breeze greets visitors, instantly dispelling the sweltering heat and creating the illusion of entering a cool paradise—an ideal summer retreat.

Tianxing Pool is extremely deep and never dries up throughout the year. In 1967, during a major drought in Shengxian when rivers ran dry, this high-altitude pool remained filled with green water—an incredible phenomenon. Legend says the pool connects to the East China Sea and is the dwelling place of a dragon. On the cliff above, a "dragon bed" is still clearly visible. In the past, whenever Shengxian, Dongyang, or nearby regions faced drought, villagers would come in groups to burn incense, kowtow, and pray to the dragon for rain. The site was once bustling with the scent of incense, drumbeats, and music. According to historical records, in the early years of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, Shengxian suffered a severe drought. County Magistrate Shen Qian led people here to pray for rain. On the way back, passing through Liangtoumen, it suddenly began to pour. Delighted, Magistrate Shen composed a poem in gratitude: “The dragon brings sweet rain, bringing a bountiful year to the land.” To commemorate this, locals renamed Liangtoumen as Ganlin (Sweet Rain), which is how the present-day Ganlin Town got its name.

The area around Tianxing Pool boasts numerous attractions, including peculiar rocks, waterfalls, deep pools, cliffs, and stone bridges. As you walk through the landscape, you’ll see towering cliffs, deep emerald pools, uniquely shaped rocks, and misty clouds. Waterfalls cascade from the sky, while streams flow eastward. “Exotic pines shrouded in clouds rival Huangshan, and craggy rocks piercing the heavens can compete with the Five Great Mountains.” Every step reveals a new scene, shifting with your movement, overwhelming the senses with beauty and filling the heart with joy.

Particularly remarkable is the massive rock that juts out on Banshan Mountain, about a hundred meters north of Tianxing Pool. Its top is remarkably round and smooth, closely resembling the head of a monk, complete with a neck, as if holding its breath while gazing southeast. On rainy or misty days, the surrounding fog partially obscures the stone monk, giving it a floating, ethereal appearance. On sunny days, sunlight bathes the “monk’s head” in a golden glow. This masterpiece of nature rivals the craftsmanship of the Leshan Giant Buddha, though not as grand, it shares a similar mystical charm. To the left of the stone monk, a waterfall crashes down through the rocks from the sky. Usually, the waterfall is as white as silver. During sunrise and sunset, the water glows a brilliant gold under the sunlight. A waterfall with two colors is rare indeed, hence its name: Golden-Silver Waterfall. The waterfall cascades down a hundred feet into a pool below, where the water is extremely clear. On both sides of the pool stand a pair of stone stalagmites facing each other, interspersed with bamboo and vines, creating a tranquil scene. Visitors here, facing the stone Buddha and waterfall, can’t help but be awestruck by this natural wonder.

The many surrounding attractions serve to complement Tianxing Pool, integrating cultural elements with natural features. Caves, pools, peaks, cliffs, rocks, and waterfalls all come together in this naturally formed wonderland, full of delightful surprises.

Address: South side of Nanshan Lake, Shengzhou City, Shaoxing

Type: Geological pond

Recommended visiting time: About 1 hour

Opening hours:

8:00-17:00

Ticket information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the ticket for the East Zhejiang Dalong Valley Scenic Area.

Nanshan Scenic Area

Nanshan Lake National Forest Park

Pujiao Temple

Guide More Tower

Golden-Silver Waterfall

Wanghu Pavilion

Fangyou Bridge

Nanshan Lake Lion Rock

Shaded Stone Path

Mandarin Duck Pond

Fengtan Lake

Meishu Pile Qiong

Taizi Lake

Prince Hall

Nine Dragons Beach

Green Bay Fishing

Thousand-Catty Silk Pool Waterfall

Lucky Stone