Uncover 18 Ponds of the Dragon King – Beijing Heilongtan’s Gem of Nature and Myth

18 Ponds of the Dragon King：Canyons, Peculiar Rocks, Cascading Waterfalls, Deep Pools, and Ancient Temples

Today, the legend has a real address. The Beijing Black Dragon Pond Scenic Area (黑龙潭风景区, Heilongtan) lies a two-hour drive from central Beijing in Miyun District. The 18 Ponds of the Dragon King are the scenic area’s most famous spectacle — the very core of the whole experience. These aren’t eighteen identical puddles. Instead, they are eighteen ‘water mirrors’ — some ink-dark and unfathomable, some jade-green catching cliff reflections, some sparkling like scattered pearls. Walk the gorge’s boardwalk and feel the trail’s mood shift from thunder to silence with every step. We’ll cover every pond, every route, the mythology behind it all, and everything you need to know for the perfect visit.

Essential Visit Facts

Natural Landscape and Core Gorge Features

Scenic Soul: Emerald Water Necklace

Dragon King Ponds Gorge Scenery

One stream connects all of it. The 18 Ponds of the Dragon King run in a single main creek from the top of the gorge down to the bottom. Thus it is as if the scroll were unrolling before you, with each pool beckoning you to the next by some upturned cascade or narrow thread of channel. Or, as the locals say, “one creek threading jade beads.”

The color of each pool depends on depth, minerals, and angle of the sun. Shallows glisten in bright jade-green in the morning sun; deeper waters are difficult to pick out amid their background of nearblack jade. It’s the counterpoint of silent stillwaters and the crash of whitening white waterfalls dashing against the rocks that gives the whole trail its rhythm.

🐉 Canyon Adventures: If you are captivated by Heilongtan's mythical waters and sheer cliffs, continue your scenic mountain escape by Exploring China’s Longqing Gorge: Dragon Elevator and Emerald Canyon Cruise to experience another nearby masterpiece of natural and modern engineering.

Upper Gorge: Roaring Falls and Grandeur

18 Ponds Waterfall View

Higher up you’ll be greeted by sound before all else. Zhentian Waterfall (通天瀑, “Heaven-Reaching Falls”), Luoyan Pool (落雁潭, “Wild Goose Landing Pool”), and Xuantan Pool (悬潭, “Suspended Pool”) follow in quick succession. Deeper you descend, so the dips are steeper and the flow stronger. Take in every spray as you stand on the Zhentian Waterfall platform. You can feel the mist on your face, the roar echoing through the gorge. This is the grand opening of the trail, and hitting the right notes.

Lower Gorge: Deep Pools and Mystery

Beijing Heilongtan Lake Reflection

Next, everything changes. Zhenpan Pool (真潭), or Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭) as it is also called, is the pearl that anchors our lower section. The water is of an impossible ink-jade colour. But it is not pollution — the darkness comes from depth and shadows of the gorge roof overhead. Chenpan Pool (沉潭) and Pingsha Pool (平沙潭) are wide and motionless about it. Wait a moment. Watch the cliffs looking down at themselves within the placid bosom. There is a startling silence in this section after the uproar above.

Core Highlights: Essential Named Pools

18 Ponds of the Dragon King Trail

A few of the pools have their own names and lore. Zhenpan Pool (真潭) is the largest and blackest of all — according to legend, that is the Dragon King’s bedchamber. Shenbi Pool (沉碧潭), on the other hand, is the richest jade-green of the lot. It looks like an enormous emerald pressed against the wall of the gorge, and is your best spot for reflection photography. Pearl Pool (珍珠潭) sparkles when the sun shines on the riverbed pebbles under its surface, while Three-Tier Pool (三叠潭) provides movement instead — three cascades linked together flowing one after the other in a delightful, playful dance.

🌈 Alpine Colors: If the deep pools of Heilongtan captivate you, travel southwest to see water at its most surreal. While Beijing offers hidden mountain gems, Five Color Lake of Jiuzhaigou: The Unfrozen Rainbow Wonder of Sichuan showcases a high-altitude spectrum of blues and greens that remain vibrant even in the heart of winter.

Hike Routes and Cultural Temple Experiences

Trail Guide: Perfect Route Selection

Heilongtan Stone Stair Trail

🗺️ Route Map: Heilongtan Entrance → Xuantan Pool → Pearl Pool → Chenpan Pool → Zhenpan Pool → Black Dragon Temple → Jinbang Pavilion → Yunmeng Mountain Exit

Two routes work for different travelers. The Highlights Route takes about 2-3 hours. Enter from the main gate, walk straight to Zhenpan Pool, and return the same way. This route takes you from Xuantan Pool, through Chenpan Pool, and Pearl Pool to Zhenpan Pool and back. As such, it fits most travelers with families or older kids.

If you want the full experience, do the Full Through-Hike instead. This extends 4-5 hours from Heilongtan all the way through to Yunmeng Mountain (云蒙山). You pass Black Dragon Temple (黑龙庙) and Jinbang Pavilion (金榜阁) on the way. Note that Yunmeng Mountain is ticketed separately. Still, the views from the ridge at the tail end make every extra step worth it.

Photography Tips: Dragon Pool Aesthetics

Heilongtan Gorge Cliff Pool

Each pool rewards a different approach. If you like mirror reflections, head to Shenbi Pool (沉碧潭) or Pingsha Pool (平沙潭) on a calm, clear morning – before 10:00 for the softest light and sharpest reflections. For silky water, go for Three-Tier Pool or below Pearl Pool. Use a slow shutter and ND filter and the rushing water becomes ribbons of smooth, dreamy water in the frame. In summer, search out shafts of gorge light. In autumn, wait for beautifully-coloured leaves to drift on still pool surfaces to this nature’s frame.

Temple Visits: Nature and Ancient Belief

Black Dragon Temple

A little further afield, beyond the pools, add Black Dragon Temple (黑龙庙) located within the expansive scenic area. The crumbling old stones and folk offerings speak to a tradition that quietly continues. Right next to it, students flock to Jinbang Pavilion (金榜阁) for prayers of success in exams — a tradition inherited from older generations. Getting off trail, until you reach Zhentian Waterfall. Locally known as the Dragon King’s gate, stand underneath and let the gentle mist of the water settle on your face - this is where I felt the legend most alive, and most tangible.

🌿 Forest Sanctuary: Looking for a longer journey through nature’s waterways? Unlike the vertical climb of the Dragon King’s ponds, Golden Whip Stream: Zhangjiajie’s 7.5km Oxygen Bar Trail & Scenic Spots Guide offers a flat, misty riverside trek beneath towering sandstone pillars, creating a vastly different "oxygen bar" experience.

Seasonal Beauty and Year-Round Highlights

Spring Magic: Mountain Blooms and Waterfalls

Spring at Heilongtan Pools

Spring transforms Heilongtan completely. Snowmelt fills the waterfalls to their maximum volume. Therefore, Zhentian Waterfall is louder and more powerful in April and May than at any other time. Meanwhile, the 18 ponds rise and clear as the melt feeds the stream from above. Peach, apricot, and azalea blooms open across the gorge slopes one after another. The air carries the smell of wet earth and fresh blossoms. For hikers, spring combines peak waterfall drama with cool, comfortable weather — the best of both worlds in one season.

Summer Retreat: Green Canopies and Coolness

Summer at Heilongtan Pools

Summer at the 18 Ponds of the Dragon King feels like stepping inside natural air conditioning. The gorge forest closes overhead, so sunlight arrives only in dappled, shifting patches. The pools deepen to their richest jade-green. However, the water stays genuinely cold even in August — a welcome contrast to the heat of central Beijing. Cicadas fill the surrounding forest with sound. Arrive at opening time and enjoy the trail in near-perfect quiet before the day's visitors arrive.

Autumn Colors: Golden Foliage and Reflections

18 Ponds Autumn Gorge View

Autumn is the scenic area's visual peak, and it is easy to see why. Maples and oaks turn gold and crimson across the entire gorge. For instance, stand at Shenbi Pool and look down — the whole autumn forest reflects perfectly upside-down in the still water below. The combination of colored leaves against dark pool surfaces creates something almost unreal. Moreover, the air is crisp, visibility is high, and the warm light lasts from morning to late afternoon. Photographers plan entire trips around this season — and they are right to do so.

Winter Silence: Ice Sculptures and Snow

Heilongtan Ice Falls Scenery

Winter turns the waterfalls into towering ice columns and hanging curtains of ice. Therefore, the dramatic becomes something genuinely surreal. Parts of the 18 ponds ice over and collect snow, and the dark rock beneath white ice creates an effect like a living ink-wash painting. However, be careful — the boardwalk itself freezes hard. Crampons are essential, and some sections may be temporarily closed. Nevertheless, for those who visit in winter, the silence, the ice, and the near-empty trail offer a completely different and unforgettable experience.

Dragon King Myth and Cultural Legends

The Guardian: Dragon King Origins

The Dragon King of Heilongtan governs rain. In an agricultural community, that means survival itself. Therefore, local people built deep reverence around this site long before it ever became a scenic area. Legend tells of the Dragon King stirring the water without wind during a drought — a sign that rain was on its way. For instance, the whole village would gather in gratitude when such moments occurred. These stories are not just folklore. They explain why standing beside these pools still feels different from standing beside any ordinary lake.

Living Traditions: Ancient Ceremonies and Stories

Historically, local officials held formal rain-prayer ceremonies at this site. Therefore, the Dragon King's authority here carried both official and community weight across the centuries. Over generations, the mythology passed through elder telling, temple fair activities, and seasonal gatherings. As a result, it became living community memory — not a museum piece, but a tradition still carried quietly forward. Today, visitors still leave offerings at Black Dragon Temple. Walk past and you will see the evidence for yourself.

Ancient Philosophy: Symbolism Beyond Legends

In Chinese culture, the dragon represents far more than power alone. It also stands for wisdom, transformation, and good fortune. Moreover, the Dragon King dwelling between mountain and water reflects the Daoist idea that humans and nature exist in deep harmony — a concept known as Tianrenheyi (天人合一, harmony of heaven and humans). Therefore, walking the 18 Ponds is not simply a nature hike. It is a quiet encounter with a worldview that sees people as part of the landscape, not separate from it — and that changes how the gorge feels underfoot.

Nearby Attractions and Perfect Travel Combos

① Gubei Water Town + Simatai Great Wall: Premier Overnight Combo

Gubei Water Town

Pair Heilongtan with Gubei Water Town (古北水镇) and Simatai Great Wall (司马台长城) for a full overnight experience. During the day, wander cobblestone streets and explore old guild halls. In the evening, drone and lantern shows light the water. Additionally, hot springs at the foot of the Great Wall are the perfect reward after a hiking day. Simatai is the only Great Wall section open for night tours. Where Heilongtan gives you quiet, reflective water, Simatai gives you sweeping stone grandeur — a natural combination.

② Qinglianggu Valley: Summer Water Activities

Qinglianggu Valley

For families in summer, Qinglianggu (清凉谷) is the ideal afternoon follow-up to a morning at Heilongtan. It features a 3,000-meter alpine glass water slide with a 200-meter drop — thrilling and completely different in energy. Therefore, the shift from Heilongtan's quiet reflection to Qinglianggu's active fun works perfectly. Look at water in the morning; play in water in the afternoon. Children especially love this transition, and parents tend to agree.

③ Wuling West Peak: Quiet Wilderness Hikes

Wuling West Peak

Wuling West Peak (雾灵西峰) suits hikers who want more trail and far fewer people. It is known locally for a waterfall locals compare to the famous Hukou Falls (小壶口瀑布), plus stretches of old-growth forest that feel genuinely remote. Visitor numbers are lower than Heilongtan. Therefore, the atmosphere is calmer and more wild. For those wanting to extend their Miyun experience into rawer mountain landscape, this is the natural and rewarding choice.

④ Miyun Reservoir: Peaceful Sunset Panoramas

End the day at Miyun Reservoir (密云水库). Pull over at the north-bank viewpoint near Baihe Bridge (白河桥) for a free sunset panorama over Beijing's largest reservoir. The wide, open water view after a full day in a narrow gorge feels like a long exhale. Moreover, the drive back to Beijing from here is smooth and direct. Therefore, this makes the perfect final stop — unhurried, scenic, and free of charge — before the city takes you back.

Practical Guide and Essential Travel Prep

Travel Logistics: Routes and Transport Options

The scenic area sits in Shicheng Town, Miyun District, Beijing (密云区石城镇). Self-drive is the most practical option — about 2 hours from central Beijing via the G45 expressway. Mountain roads appear in the final stretch, so slow down and allow extra time for bends. For public transit, take Bus 980 Express from Dongzhimen (东直门) to Miyun Gulou (密云鼓楼). Then transfer to Bus 密60 or 密63 to the Heilongtan (黑龙潭) stop. Allow at least 3 hours each way for this route, and check the schedule in advance — it is limited.

Essential Prep: Tickets and Necessary Gear

• Entrance fee: Approximately ¥60; parking approximately ¥10 at the lot beside the entrance.
• Yunmeng Mountain section: Requires a separate ticket. However, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei annual pass (京津冀年卡) covers entry for free.
• Highlights Route: Entrance to Zhenpan Pool (真潭) and back — 2–3 hours, suits most visitors.
• Full Through-Hike: Heilongtan entrance to Yunmeng Mountain exit — 4–5 hours, for experienced hikers.
• Essential gear: Non-slip hiking shoes (the boardwalk stays wet year-round — non-negotiable), thin jacket (the gorge is cool even in summer), water and snacks (no resupply past the midpoint), sunscreen, insect repellent.

Professional Tips: Timing and Site Safety

• Peak season hours: 09:00–17:00, last entry 16:00. Therefore, plan your return carefully — gates lock on schedule without exception.
• Best timing: Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends. Moreover, arriving at 09:00 gives you the best morning light and the fewest people on the trail.
• Full through-hike: Start no later than 13:00 to exit comfortably before closing.
• Facilities: Restrooms and a small shop are at the entrance only — sparse after the midpoint. Use them before heading up.
• Safety: Stay on the boardwalk at all times. Wet rocks are the main cause of accidents on this trail. Additionally, carry all rubbish out — the pools are a protected water source area.

Essential FAQs: 18 Ponds and Heilongtan

Q: Where exactly are the 18 Ponds of the Dragon King?

The 18 ponds of the dragon king sit inside Beijing Black Dragon Pond Scenic Area (Heilongtan, 黑龙潭风景区), in Shicheng Town, Miyun District — about 90 km northeast of central Beijing. Therefore, a self-drive of roughly 2 hours is the most practical way to arrive. Note that this is not the same as the Linhai Dragon King Pools in Zhejiang Province. Always confirm your destination is Miyun, Beijing, before booking tickets or transport.

Q: What is the myth of the Dragon King?

The Dragon King (Lóng Wáng, 龍王) is a Chinese water deity governing rivers, seas, and rainfall. At Heilongtan, the local Dragon King served as a rain guardian for surrounding farmland. Legend says the 18 ponds of the dragon king formed from his scattered scales after he lost a chess game with a mountain spirit. Therefore, each pool carries a piece of that ancient story, and the offerings still left at Black Dragon Temple show the tradition remains alive.

Q: How many Dragon Kings are there in Chinese mythology?

Chinese mythology features four Sea Dragon Kings — one for each cardinal direction. Additionally, Five Direction Dragon Kings exist in a parallel tradition, plus countless local ones protecting individual rivers and ponds. The Dragon King at Heilongtan belongs to the Northern Black Dragon King tradition. Therefore, his color is black, which explains the name Black Dragon Pond (黑龙潭). The 18 ponds of the dragon king fall under his domain in local legend.

Q: Who is Bai Long Wang?

Bai Long Wang (白龍王) is the White Dragon King, known as Ao Run (敖閏), ruler of the Western Sea. He is associated with the west, the color white, and the autumn season. In Journey to the West (西游记), he is the father of the White Dragon Horse. However, the 18 ponds of the dragon king at Heilongtan are connected to the Black Dragon King of the North, Ao Shun (敖顺) — a different member of the Dragon King family entirely.

Q: Who are the Five Dragon Kings?

The Five Direction Dragon Kings are: East — Ao Guang (敖广), Azure Dragon; South — Ao Qin (敖钦), Crimson Dragon; West — Ao Run (敖闰), White Dragon; North — Ao Shun (敖顺), Black Dragon; and Center — the Yellow Dragon King. The 18 ponds of the dragon king at Heilongtan are connected to Ao Shun, the Black Dragon King of the North. Therefore, the name Black Dragon Pond (黑龙潭) directly reflects this northern guardian tradition.

Q: How long does it take to hike the 18 Ponds trail?

The Highlights Route takes about 2–3 hours and covers the core 18 ponds of the dragon king, from the entrance to Zhenpan Pool (真潭) and back. However, the Full Through-Hike from Heilongtan to Yunmeng Mountain (云蒙山) takes 4–5 hours over approximately 12 km. Therefore, choose your route based on fitness level and available time. On weekends, add extra time as crowds slow the pace considerably. For the full route, start no later than 13:00.

Q: Is the 18 Ponds trail suitable for families with children?

Yes — the Highlights Route along the 18 ponds of the dragon king runs mostly on a paved boardwalk. Therefore, it suits families with older children and casual walkers well. However, non-slip shoes are essential for all ages because the trail stays wet throughout the year. The full through-hike to Yunmeng Mountain (云蒙山) involves more distance and elevation. Therefore, that section is not recommended for young children, but the core ponds loop is very manageable.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit?

Late April brings wildflowers and peak waterfall volume to the 18 ponds of the dragon king. Late October offers the most striking autumn foliage reflected in still pool water. Summer (June–August) provides cool temperatures inside the gorge when Beijing is at its hottest. However, avoid national holiday weeks — Golden Week crowds in May and October make the trail extremely congested. Therefore, a weekday morning in spring or autumn gives you the best combination of beauty and breathing room.

Q: How do I get there from central Beijing?

Self-drive takes about 2 hours via the G45 expressway to reach the 18 ponds of the dragon king in Miyun. For public transit, take Bus 980 Express from Dongzhimen (东直门) to Miyun Gulou (密云鼓楼), then transfer to Bus 密60 or 密63 to the Heilongtan (黑龙潭) stop. However, public transit takes at least 3 hours each way and runs on a limited schedule. Therefore, self-drive or pre-arranged transport is strongly recommended for a comfortable, flexible visit.

Q: Are Heilongtan Beijing and the Linhai Dragon King Pools the same place?

No — they are completely different locations. The 18 ponds of the dragon king in this guide sit inside Heilongtan (黑龙潭), Miyun District, Beijing, about 2 hours from the city center. The Linhai Dragon King Pools are in Zhejiang Province on China's east coast — a different province entirely with no connection to this site. Therefore, always confirm your destination is Miyun, Beijing, before booking tickets or arranging transport, as search results sometimes mix the two.