The Five Dragon Pools Scenic Area (五龙潭景区) is nestled in the southwest of Ningbo, not far from the urban center, yet offering splendid views of mountains and countryside. As the name suggests, the main attraction of the area is the five pools, surrounded by lush green hills, providing a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere during the summer and autumn seasons. The mountains here are neither too high nor too low, making it an ideal place for relaxation and leisurely walks.
At the entrance square of the scenic area stands a statue depicting a woman and four children, telling the legend of the origin of the Five Dragon Pools. Following the signs along the walking trail into the deep valley, after about a 40-minute walk, visitors can catch a glimpse of the enormous red character “龙” (dragon) carved on the mountainside rock, with the majestic Baizhang Waterfall pouring down in front of it. Just a short distance ahead lies the Wulong Temple, where visitors can already faintly hear the sounds of the pools and streams ahead. Continuing along the trail, visitors can sequentially explore the Five Dragon Pools. The path is not entirely flat but not overly difficult either. In order, the pools are Fuzetan, Zhaozetan, Runzhetan, Bailongtan, and Chilongtan.
Although they all feature a combination of waterfalls and pools, each has its own unique shape, and the water varies in color from emerald green to azure blue. Many find the fourth pool enchanting, while the fifth pool is particularly majestic. Unlike other waterfalls that flow straight down, the water in the fifth pool surges left and right between two giant rocks before finally cascading into the pool below. Between the fourth and fifth pools, there is a bamboo corridor teahouse where visitors can take a break and enjoy a cup of tea if they feel tired. In the summer, it is common to see people playing in the stream and refreshing themselves by washing their faces.
Continuing a short distance further up from the fifth pool, visitors will reach the source of the pool, where there is a Dragon Altar used by locals to pray for favorable weather conditions. Though newly constructed, the towering dragon totem pillar adds to the grandeur of the place. There is an incense burner in front of the altar, and visitors can also offer prayers here. Most visitors return downhill from the altar, and for those who walked uphill, it is recommended to take the sightseeing car back to the exit of the scenic area to save time and energy, avoiding retracing their steps.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 50 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 16.30 (1st May – 8th October) 8.00 – 16.00 (9th October – 30th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0574-88049777 |
Location and Transportation
Located in Longguan Township, Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, the Five Dragon Pools Scenic Area is the closest mountain and water ecological tourist area to the urban center. To get there, you can take bus 269-1, 603, 616, or 638 and get off at Wulongtan Stop (五龙潭站).
