Lijiang Locals' Secret "Golden Sunrise" Spot! Capture the Snow Mountain in Black Dragon Pool

The 6 AM alarm felt gentler than usual—today was about chasing the romance of a "waking snow mountain." A 15-minute walk from Lijiang Old Town, through cobblestone paths and alleys fragrant with butter tea, the silhouette of Black Dragon Pool emerges faintly in the morning mist. Even before reaching the park entrance, the tip of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain glows with the first light, like crumpled silver foil, quietly brewing a "magic of light." 📍 Why Black Dragon Pool? Many know it for its "snow mountain reflections," but few realize: the "Golden Sunrise" here is the locals' best-kept secret! When the first sunlight pierces the clouds, the mountain peaks turn honey-gold, and the light cascades down the ridges, mirrored in the pool—a quadruple visual feast of snow-capped peaks, golden light, ancient pavilions, and reflections that leaves you breathless. (P.S. High chance of clear skies. Winter (Nov-Mar) offers more stable sunrises, but other seasons might surprise you too!) ⏰ Golden Hour Schedule (Minute-by-Minute) ▪️ Best viewing window: 30 mins before to 20 mins after sunrise (softest light, stunning gradient from dark to bright!) ▪️ Winter sunrise: ~7:00 AM (check "Lijiang Weather" for exact timing to avoid a wasted trip!) ▪️ Pro tip: The park opens at 6:30 AM—arrive by 6:40 to snag a lakeside VIP spot. 📸 3 Foolproof Photo Spots ❶ Five Phoenix Tower · Timeless Elegance The red-walled, black-tiled tower frames the rising snow mountain perfectly. Sunlight gilds its eaves—just wear light-colored knits, and you’re instantly part of a "poetic day under the peaks." ❷ Moon-Embracing Pavilion · Sky-Meets-Water Walk the wooden plank to the pavilion, where its reflection and the mountain’s golden glow merge into the water. Is it the pavilion mirroring the snow, or vice versa? Either way, it’s instant wallpaper material! ❸ Lakeside Trail · Chase the Light Start at the "Black Dragon Pool" stone tablet and head south. Watch the mountain unveil itself from "shy" to "full glory," capturing every step—each second a new surprise. 💡 Locals’ "Extra Credit" Tips ▪️ Wear warm tones (cream, blush, light blue) to complement the mountain and sky. Bring a scarf/beanie—mornings are chilly! ▪️ Check sunrise forecasts. Even cloudy days offer majestic mountain views—don’t give up! ▪️ Free entry (before 7 AM!). ▪️ Post-photo reward: Try the park’s warm chickpea jelly noodles—carbs cure all early-morning grogginess! As the first full sunlight crowned the mountain, turning the pool into liquid gold, I stared at my camera, mesmerized—realizing "Golden Sunrise" isn’t just a fleeting spectacle, but light climbing the peaks bit by bit, mirroring life’s "slow and steady" beauty. This winter, skip the crowds at Meili Snow Mountain— Head to Black Dragon Pool, and frame the snow-capped peaks, ancient towers, and your own shadow in this golden moment. 📍 Address: Black Dragon Pool Park, Dayan Subdistrict, Gucheng District, Lijiang ⏰ Hours: 6:30 AM–10:00 PM (arrive by 6:40 AM for sunrise) 💬 Where’s your most breathtaking sunrise shot? Drop your photos below!