The Wushan Pool Wonder

　　The Wushan Pool Wonder is situated on the southeastern side of the main peak of Dali Mountain. It has long been famous for its unique characteristics: high elevation, extraordinary landscape, perilous terrain, mystical aura, and breathtaking beauty. The best time to visit is during the lunar months of May to June in summer. From the southern slope of the Dali Pass along the Linping Highway, hike up the lush, undulating mountain ridges for about 5 kilometers to reach Longwo. Then continue westward climbing — the mountain terrain becomes rugged, with towering peaks rising abruptly from the ground, piercing the clouds and dwarfing the surrounding mountains. The granite boulders here are unusually massive, rarely seen elsewhere. Among the jagged rocks, the Wushan Pools shine like dazzling drops of water, crystal clear. At times, ripples spread across the pool surfaces, creating shimmering waves; at other times, bubbles rise, sparkling in the sunlight. The towering mountains embracing the pools are rugged, with stone peaks exposed in countless unique forms. Upon ascending the main peak, you can gaze far into the distance at the magnificent wonders of Jishi, the landscapes of Xunhua, the grasslands of Gannan, and the scenery of Linxia. Due to the Wushan Pools' location atop a high mountain, the steep and difficult path, and the strong risk of altitude sickness, very few visitors come here. Before liberation, during prolonged droughts, local people would climb to the Wushan Pools to pray for rain. If they could collect water samples, it was believed that the prayers had been answered. Legend has it that after Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, burned the Gongchen Tower, the martyred generals stormed the Hall of Yama demanding to return to the human world. But as their remains had perished, Yama sealed them as local deities — Chang Yuchun was titled “King of Wushan and Dragon King of the Pools.” Because of his unparalleled achievements, the Wushan Pools became a symbol of reverence for this heroic figure. A poem about the misty mountain pools:

　　High peaks tower where clouds converge,

　　Granite cliffs uphold the sacred pools;

　　Shining waters overflow with clarity,

　　Such rare beauty is seldom seen.