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Black Dragon Pond is located north of Bailongchi on Mount Tai in Shandong Province. North of the pond lies East Baizhang Cliff, where a waterfall cascades down into a stone cave beneath. The cave, shaped like a clay jar and several feet deep and wide, was formed by the constant impact of stream water. It is believed to be connected to the Dragon Palace in the East China Sea, hence its name. West Baizhang Cliff lies to the west of the pond, and South Baizhang Cliff lies to the southwest. During the continuous rains of summer and autumn, three waterfalls descend from the clifftops like jade dragons, an event known in ancient times as "Three Appearances of Cloud Dragons."
Southeast of Black Dragon Pond lies a stone pavilion named Xixi Pavilion. During the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, Tai'an prefect Yu Gou inscribed a couplet: "A dragon leaps into the sky, clouds soar and bring rain; the pond is a thousand feet deep, yet the water remains calm."
The stream below the bridge is gentle, with water trickling down before suddenly plunging into the ravine, resembling the Milky Way flowing backwards, with a drooping ribbon. This is also known as the Heavenly Gentleman Spring. Several parallel white lines run east-west along the cliff edge, commonly known as the Yin-Yang Boundary. Feng Yuxiang built a fence here for protection, which was later destroyed and rebuilt in 1976.
It has a temperate continental semi-humid monsoon climate with distinct four seasons, moderate cold and hot seasons, synchronized light and temperature, and simultaneous rain and heat. Spring is dry and windy, summer is hot and rainy, autumn is sunny and refreshing, and winter is cold and snowy.
It is recommended to play for one hour
Black Dragon Pond is a scenic natural area in Tai’an, historically valued for its clear waters and picturesque surroundings. It reflects traditional Chinese landscape aesthetics and is often associated with local legends about dragons and water spirits.
Located in Tai’an, Shandong Province, near the foothills of Mount Tai. Visitors can reach it by taxi or local bus from Tai’an city center. Walking paths lead from parking or bus stops to the pond area.
Open daily from 7:00 to 18:00. Early morning or late afternoon are best for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photography.
Entrance is generally free or included in nearby Mount Tai scenic area tickets. Tickets, if needed, can be purchased at the entrance or through official online platforms.
Advance booking is usually unnecessary unless visiting during major holidays or combining with Mount Tai tours.
1–2 hours to leisurely walk around the pond, enjoy the scenery, and take photographs.
Guided tours are limited; mainly available in Chinese. Audio guides are generally not offered.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the main pond pathways, visit the pavilions and bridges, and loop back through secondary trails for a complete experience.
Night visits and light shows are not available; the area is best visited during daylight for safety and scenic views.
Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded. Weekends and holidays may see more visitors, especially during peak travel season.
Basic facilities such as restrooms, benches, and small snack stalls are available near the entrance and along the main paths.
Mostly accessible for children and elderly with moderate mobility; some uneven paths may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility.
Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted at nearby facilities.
Small local restaurants and snack stalls are available near the entrance, serving traditional Shandong cuisine and refreshments.
Vegetarian options are available at most nearby restaurants; halal options may be limited.
Hotels and guesthouses in Tai’an city and near Mount Tai provide convenient access to Black Dragon Pond.
Souvenir shops near the entrance sell postcards, small crafts, and Mount Tai or Tai’an themed items.
Taxi, local bus, or private car are convenient for traveling to nearby attractions or returning to Tai’an city center.
