Hangzhou Bailongtan (White Dragon Pool)

Hangzhou Bailongtan

Previously known as Laolongtan (Old Dragon Pool), Bailongtan is the most renowned of the Eight Scenic Spots of Longmen. The poet Li Bai once praised it in verse: “I’ve heard of paradise on Mount Longmen in the heavenly land, where cliffs tower and waterfalls cascade into White Dragon Pool.” Emperor Qianlong visited the Jiangnan region several times and made two trips to Bailongtan. Legend has it that a white snake once practiced here in the mountains and was awakened by Xu Xian, who came to gather herbs on the cliffs. Their fateful meeting on Broken Bridge originated in the Longmen Gorge.

Bailongtan is a new attraction in Hangzhou. Located in the Longwu Scenic Area southwest of West Lake in Hangzhou, it is just 15 kilometers from the city center and covers an area of 30 square kilometers. The scenic area retains its pristine natural environment, similar to other attractions in Lin’an, Zhejiang: follow the valley, hike along mountain streams, admire the streams, waterfalls, gorges, mountains, and trees, and listen to the sounds of wind, water, birds, and insects. It serves as a vast natural oxygen bar on the outskirts of Hangzhou.

The scenic area blends mountain-water culture, dragon culture, Buddhist culture, and tea culture, boasting profound cultural heritage. The great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, upon hearing of the beauty of Bailongtan, was filled with longing and composed a poem: “I’ve heard of paradise on Mount Longmen in the heavenly land, where cliffs tower and waterfalls cascade into White Dragon Pool.” Emperor Qianlong visited the Jiangnan region several times and made two trips to Bailongtan. It is the miraculous craftsmanship of nature that has created the mysterious Bailongtan, attracting countless literati and travelers over the ages, inspiring them to pour out their hearts through brush and ink.

The ecological landscape of Bailongtan Scenic Area is uniquely beautiful, featuring cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and a pleasant climate. Within the area lies Hangzhou’s only waterfall attraction—Bailong Feipu (White Dragon Waterfall). Plummeting down the cliff, the waterfall feeds into a pool whose water flows through a serpentine ravine embedded deep in the rugged cliffs, resembling a white dragon gliding through the air, veiled in mist. In summer, the temperature here is about 5°C lower than in the city, making it an ideal destination for escaping the heat.

The scenic area features numerous attractions, including Bailong Feipu (White Dragon Waterfall), Bailongtan (White Dragon Pool), Qinglongtan (Azure Dragon Pool), Xiaolongqiu (Little Dragon Pool), Guanyin Cave, Bailong Chan Temple (site of the former Bailong Nunnery), Qianzhangyan (Thousand-Zhang Cliff), and Yunzhong Zhandao (Cloud-Soaring Plank Walk). Exploring the dragon pools, climbing the dragon paths, ascending the dragon gate, and gazing at the dragon waterfalls form the highly captivating highlights of Bailongtan.

Transportation Information

By Bus: Take bus 504 from Longxiangqiao in the city to Zhuantang Town, then transfer to a local minibus to Bailongtan.

From Wulin Square, take bus 318 (3 RMB) to Longwu, then transfer to bus 395 (2 RMB) to reach the Bailongtan stop.

By Car

1. From Hangzhou (Zhuantang – another 10 km – Leiting Bailongtan Outdoor Base).

2. From Ningbo (take the Hang-Yong Expressway to the western Hangzhou Ring Road – exit at Zhuantang – head to Longwu Town – Bailongtan).

3. From Shanghai (take the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway to the western Hangzhou Ring Road – exit at Longwu – head to Longwu Town – Bailongtan).

Address: Longmenkan Village, Zhuantang Subdistrict, Xihu District, Hangzhou City

Type: Waterfall, Mountain, Forest

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

Phone: 0571-89903550

Opening Hours:

8:00-17:00

Ticket Information:

Gate Price: 40.0 RMB