Huanglong Pool on Mount Lu

Huanglong Pool on Mount Lu

In the Sanbao Tree Scenic Area of Mount Lu, there are two waterfalls known for their delicate and graceful beauty among the Kuanglu Waterfall Group — Huanglong Pool Waterfall and Wulong Pool Waterfall. It’s only a short distance from the Sanbao Trees to Huanglong Pool Waterfall. In a secluded valley, steep cliffs rise, layered rocks abound, and lush vegetation surrounds the area. A waterfall cascades down from a cliff over ten meters high, producing a series of pleasant splashing sounds. After falling into the pool, the water pauses briefly before winding through crevices in the rocks and flowing downstream. Huanglong Pool Waterfall is known for its elegance and serenity. Perhaps due to not receiving much direct sunlight except around noon, the rocks and stones around the pool and beneath the falls are covered in moss, dressing the stream in vibrant green that contrasts beautifully with the snow-white, crystal-clear waterfall. This enhances the tranquil, deep, and refreshing ambiance of Huanglong Pool. Additionally, there are some stone inscriptions near the Huanglong Pool Waterfall.

To reach Huanglong Pool, hike up from Shimen Gully for a while, and you’ll soon arrive at both Huanglong Pool and Wulong Pool. The two pools are adjacent, each with its own charm. Huanglong Pool is deep and peaceful, with ancient trees lining the valley. A stream weaves down past stone formations into a dark green pool. By the pool, listening to fallen leaves on ancient paths and birdsong in the valley naturally evokes a sense of being detached from the mortal world and transcending the ordinary. After heavy rain, the muffled rumble of thunder echoes endlessly through the dense forest.

Legend has it that long, long ago, there were two unruly dragons — a yellow dragon and a black dragon — living in the valley of Huanglong.

Walking several hundred meters downhill from Huanglong Pool Waterfall, then heading northwest along another small stream, you’ll soon arrive at Wulong Pool Waterfall. The waterfall bursts forth between several large boulders, splitting into three streams. Though only a few meters high, its form is remarkably graceful. The streams tumble into the water, producing melodious tones, while the waters of Wulong Pool are clear and enchanting. Visitors here can’t help but feel the meaning behind the saying, “A mountain need not be high — it is famous so long as there is an immortal; water need not be deep — it is spiritual as long as there is a dragon.”

Within the Sanbao Tree Scenic Area lies the ruins of Huanglong Temple. Legend says the temple was built by the eminent monk Chekong to subdue the yellow dragon residing in Huanglong Pool. At the time, a fierce yellow dragon lurked in the pool, often losing its temper, triggering violent floods that drowned fertile fields and brought disaster to local people, yet it hid deep within the steep and profound Huanglong Pool. Its actions frequently brought flooding to downstream areas. Later, the monk Chekong traveled here and, upon hearing of such a mischievous dragon, used Buddhist teachings on compassion to tame it. After the yellow dragon reformed, its offspring turned into a group of flood dragons, once again stirring up trouble and harming the people. Seeing this, Master Chekong rang a sacred bell, frightening the flood dragons away with its sound. To completely subdue them and bring peace to the people, Chekong built Huanglong Temple not far from the pool to suppress the dragons. Beside the Scripture-Bestowing Pavilion in the temple, he dug a Dragon-Taming Cave, placing the sacred bell upside down inside. Thus, the flood dragons were subdued. That’s why there’s now a huge rock near the Sanbao Trees inscribed with the characters “降龙” (Subdue the Dragon), which is the “Dragon-Subduing Stone” formed from the sacred bell.

Centuries later, Master Chekong has long passed away, and most of the tamed dragons have become benevolent. However, two dragons — one red and one black — remained vicious. They often transformed into red and black clouds, rising into the sky to battle fiercely, plunging the sky into darkness, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and torrential rains. Wherever the two dragons fought, trees were uprooted, farmhouses destroyed without a single tile left standing. Only the Scripture Depository of Huanglong Temple, built by Master Chekong, remained unshaken, as did the Scripture-Bestowing Pavilion and the Sanbao Trees.

Not far from Huanglong Pool lies Wulong Pool, home to a gentle and kind white dragon. Unlike the yellow dragon, this white dragon is not fierce or storm-bringing. Instead, it often brings convenience to the monks of Donglin Temple, including the venerable Huiyuan, and the local people. In times of drought, the white dragon spouts clouds and mist, bringing nourishing rain to moisten crops and benefit all beings. In times of heavy rain, it absorbs excess water to prevent floods from destroying farmland or homes. As a result, the white dragon is beloved and revered by the monks of Donglin Temple and nearby residents. To express their gratitude and respect, people collect various fruits and offer meals during early June each year, casting them into the pool as offerings to the divine dragon. Locals call this ritual “sending dragon rice.” It is said that the rice must be sent into Wulong Pool — otherwise, even if placed on a nearby rock, the white dragon will not accept it. For many years, the white dragon has cultivated itself in Wulong Pool, benefiting all living things. The multi-streamed Wulong Pool Waterfall flows ceaselessly year-round, accompanying the white dragon day and night. And so, Wulong Pool and Wulong Pool Waterfall came into being. Visitors to this place are not only captivated by its enchanting beauty but also enchanted by the beautiful legends associated with it, often lingering and reluctant to leave.

Address: Between Yuping Peak and Tianwang Peak

Type: Lake

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Opening hours:

Monday–Sunday, 6:00–20:00

Ticket information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the general scenic area admission. Mount Lu Scenic Area ticket: Off-season (Dec 1 – Mar 31) 135 RMB; Peak season (Apr 1 – Nov 31) 180 RMB. An additional 45 RMB fee per car for self-drive visitors.