Within the park are temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, teahouses, restaurants, entertainment venues, a small zoo, and other attractions.

The lake was formed, according to geologists, when tectonic plates shifted and created Mount Yanshan.

A legend is that Emperor Sun Quan (182–252) settled in the Nanjing area and he had the lake created and filled with water.

[1] The lake was named for a black dragon, believed to be a water god by Chinese Taoists, from a Southern dynasty (420-859) legend.

[1] During the Six Dynasties period (222–859) a garden on a basaltic site was created, which is now considered one of the most scenic places in the park.

Summer visitors experience emerald lotus leaves, flowers, and "a peaceful haven of weeping willows" followed by red maples and golden ginkgos in the fall.

[7] The "Autumn Chrysanthemum of Liang Islet" has the Lake God Temple, Wenji Pavilion, the Peony Garden, Bonsai Museum, and a fish pond.

[4] Key attractions include the Nuo'na tower, Lama Temple, cenotaph of Guo Pu, and the Rose Garden.