The pool is fed by springs that emerge at the foot of Elephant Hill and is the source of the streams that run through Lijiang's old town, which is why the old town's canals are so clear. The park was laid out as a garden complex in the Qing dynasty, and it holds several temples, pavilions and a research institute on Dongba culture, the traditional culture of the Naxi people.
The view
The famous photograph is taken from the marble bridge at the southern end of the pool, looking north across the water to the Wufeng Pavilion, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rising behind. The mountain is 5,596 meters and is visible on clear days, most reliably in winter and early spring. The reflection needs still water, so early morning before the wind picks up is the best time.
The park itself
Beyond the iconic view there are wooded paths, a small museum of Naxi Dongba scripts and paintings, and several halls with displays on local history. The park is large enough for an unhurried hour of walking, and it is much quieter than the old town, which is only a fifteen-minute walk away.
Practical notes
The park is at the north end of the old town and is usually combined with the old town walk. There is an admission fee. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is often hidden by cloud from June to September, so travelers who specifically want the view should plan for the drier months. In winter the mountain is at its clearest and the pool is at its prettiest, though mornings are cold.
