Featured Hotels Near Green Dragon Pool

Recommended stay at Kunming Yunnan Grand Hotel, just a 15-minute drive from Qinglongtan. This boutique hotel blends Bai and Yi architectural styles, featuring an indoor pool and a serene ecological courtyard. Rooms offer panoramic views of the Western Hills, with free shuttle service to the scenic area.

Highlights: On-site guided tours, photography packages, and eco-friendly bamboo toiletries ensure comfort and sustainability.

Convenient access via Metro Line 3 to "Xishan Station" (800m walk), ideal for families and seniors.

Visit between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM for tranquil mornings with misty landscapes and fewer crowds. Must-do experiences include:

• Morning Ritual Ceremony: Join local Yi community rituals to learn about traditional beliefs.

• Scenic Trail Walk: Follow the gentle path along the lake, admiring ancient trees and stone dragon carvings.

• Nature Photography: Soft morning light creates perfect conditions for capturing mist reflections on water.

Tips: Avoid feeding wildlife; some areas require non-slip shoes. Free parking and multilingual maps available for self-guided visitors.

The most convenient option is taking Metro Line 3 to "Xishan Station," then transferring to the scenic area shuttle bus (every 15 minutes), a 10-minute ride. Alternatively, private car hire costs around ¥120/hour, including a guide—ideal for groups.

Advantages: No traffic delays on metro; shuttle offers bilingual (Chinese/English) announcements.

For cyclists, rent e-bikes (¥2 start fee). The 40-minute route passes the Dianchi Greenway, offering stunning lakeside views and a relaxed travel experience.

Book shuttle tickets in advance via the official "Kunming Travel" mini-program to avoid queues during peak season.

Must-try local delicacies near Qinglongtan include:

• Yunnan Cross-Bridge Noodles: Try "Laojie Fang" for broth simmered 8 hours with chicken bones and ham, served with fresh vegetables and thin meat slices—hot, flavorful, and authentic.

• Wild Mushroom Stir-Fry Chicken: Seasonal (July–September), using freshly foraged matsutake and boletus mushrooms sautéed with free-range chicken—aromatic and nutritious.

• Sour Spicy Fish: Made with live fish from Qinglongtan’s waters, seasoned with lemon, chili, and mint—perfect for summer refreshment.

All restaurants offer gluten-free and vegetarian options, and QR code ordering enhances efficiency. Carry cash, as some small stalls don’t accept mobile payments.

Discover Longtan Deep Valley Viewpoint, located on a hillside east of Qinglongtan. Accessible via a 15-minute walk up stone steps, it offers sweeping vistas of the entire lake and surrounding forest.

Photography Highlights:

• Mirror-like water reflecting wooden bridges and gabled roofs—ideal for meditative compositions.
• Autumn brings vibrant red and gold foliage from century-old ginkgo and maple trees.

Pro Tips: Wear neutral-colored clothing to avoid distracting the shot; use a tripod for long-exposure waterfall effects. A small rest pavilion and restroom are available, but no electricity—bring extra phone battery.

This off-the-beaten-path location is perfect for photographers seeking unique, quiet moments away from tourist crowds.

Qinglongtan is believed to be an ancient Yi tribal site dedicated to dragon worship. According to the Yunnan Tongzhi, a dragon appeared during a severe drought in the Ming Dynasty, saving villagers—leading to the construction of a shrine.

The stone dragon head in the pond dates back to the Qing Dynasty, serving as a talisman for flood control and harmony with nature.

Every June 6th (lunar calendar), the local community celebrates the "Dragon Festival" with traditional dance, rain prayers, and folk opera, preserving rich ethnic culture.

Cultural Status: Listed as a Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Site in 2015. A small museum displays ancient manuscripts, ritual artifacts, and rubbings—open daily 9:00–17:00, free entry.

Join guided tours to explore its spiritual and ecological wisdom in depth.