Lugu Lake is a boundary lake between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, located between Yongning Town, Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, and Lugu Lake Town, Yanyuan County, Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is a national key scenic spot and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area is characterized by clear and blue lake water, being the highest-altitude lake in Yunnan and one of the deepest freshwater lakes in China. Surrounded by towering mountains and rich forest resources, it has a snow cover period of more than three months a year, known as the "Fairyland on Earth". The scenic area covers an area of approximately 20.7 square kilometers.
History and Culture
Yanyuan is a place with a long history and rich cultural heritage. The history verified by cultural relics can be traced back to the Stone Age at the earliest, and the history recorded in documents can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. The Mosuo people by Lugu Lake have a strong complex of mother worship and the legacy of matriarchal civilization, practicing a matriarchal clan system. "Originating from the mother and returning to the mother", no matter how many generations the Mosuo descendants inherit, they will eventually return to their mother's home.
The religion of the Mosuo people integrates multiple cultural elements. In addition to the local primitive religion, Dabaism, there is also Lamaism introduced from the Tibetan area. Before the Yuan Dynasty, the Mosuo people were ruled by the tribal chief "Womi". From the Yuan Dynasty, the chieftain system under the jurisdiction of the central government began. In the Qing Dynasty, the "Five Offices, Four Departments and Three Wharves" were established. During the Republic of China, the chieftain system was seriously threatened. Until the democratic reform in 1956, the chieftain system that had lasted for nearly 700 years came to an end.
The story of the last princess Xiao Shuming also adds legendary color to Lugu Lake. In 1943, at the age of 16, Xiao Shuming was married to Labao Chen, the chieftain of Zuosuo in Lugu Lake, through the matchmaking of Liu Wenhui, the governor of Xikang Province. After that, she returned to Lugu Lake with Labao Chen, wore Mosuo clothing, respected Mosuo customs, and began her career as the last princess in Lugu Lake.
Main Attractions
Geremu Goddess Mountain
Geremu Goddess Mountain is the sacred mountain of the Mosuo people. There is the Goddess Cave Cableway on the mountain, including tourist experience projects such as mountain climbing boardwalks, Monkey King Paradise, and the best viewing point of the entire Lugu Lake Scenic Area - Lugu Lake Panoramic Viewing Platform.
Caohai (Grass Sea)
The most famous in Caohai (Grass Sea) is the Walking Marriage Bridge known as the "No.1 Magpie Bridge in the World". It is a 300-meter-long wooden bridge extending from the reed clusters in Caohai, spanning across the Grass Sea, passing through the reeds, and reaching the villages on both banks, providing a convenient passage for the villagers and the "Axia" (lovers) in the "walking marriage" tradition.
Lige Peninsula
Lige Peninsula is located on the north side of Lugu Lake and is one of the landmark attractions of the Lugu Lake scenic area. The peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides, with beautiful scenery. There are ancient Mosuo dwellings and inns on the island, allowing visitors to experience the rich Mosuo customs.
Axia Valley
Axia Valley is an important part of the Lugu Lake Scenic Area. The valley has gurgling water and dense forests, with a quiet environment, making it a good place to explore the mysterious "Axia" walking marriage custom of the Mosuo people.
Cuisine
Pig Fat Meat
Pig fat meat is a traditional food of the Mosuo people, also known as "Pipa Meat". The production method is to slaughter the pig, remove the bones, marinate it with salt, Chinese prickly ash and other seasonings, then sew it up, press it into a pipa shape, and air-dry it. Pig fat meat is delicious, fatty but not greasy, and can be preserved for many years.
Sour Fish
Sour fish is one of the characteristic foods of Lugu Lake. After cleaning the fresh fish, put it into a jar filled with glutinous rice, wine, salt and other seasonings for pickling. After a period of fermentation, the fish becomes sour and delicious, and is a common dish on the local table.
Water Floss Flower
Water Floss Flower is a unique aquatic plant in Lugu Lake, and its flowers are edible. After picking, blanch it in boiling water, and then mix it with seasonings or stir-fry it. It has a fresh and tender taste and a delicate fragrance.
Admission Ticket
The admission ticket price for Lugu Lake Scenic Area is 70 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "泸沽湖景区" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of Lugu Lake Scenic Area are 08:00 - 18:00. The opening hours of Geremu Goddess Mountain Scenic Area are 8:00 - 17:00. Subject to the announcement of the scenic area.
Tour Route
Reference route for a 2-day tour of Lugu Lake:
Day 1: Lijiang Ancient City → Lining Eighteen Bends → Sanjiacun Wharf → Caohai → Walking Marriage Bridge → Luwa Wharf → Geremu Goddess Mountain → Bonfire Party.
Day 2: Sunrise → Lover's Beach → Luyuan Cliff → Lover's Tree → Lige Peninsula → Daluoshui Village.
Transportation
- Starting from Lijiang: You can take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station or Yulong Bus Station to Lugu Lake. The departure times of Lijiang Bus Station are 9:00, 10:00, 15:00, etc., and the departure times of Yulong Bus Station are 8:00, 8:10, 8:20, 8:30, 15:10, 15:15, etc. The reference fare is between 71 and 98 yuan.
- Starting from Xichang: Xichang has 3 to 4 buses to Lugu Lake Scenic Area every day. The departure place is Xichang Bus Station (near Torch Square), No. 412 Sanchakou South Road, Xichang. The driving time is about 7 - 8 hours. You can also choose to take a bullet train or plane from Chengdu to Xichang first, and then transfer to a bus to Lugu Lake.
- Self-driving: From Chengdu, take Chengdu-Ya'an Expressway or Chengdu-Wenjiang-Qionglai Expressway to Ya'an-Xichang Expressway to reach Xichang, and then go to Lugu Lake from Xichang; from Lijiang, you can go to Lugu Lake via Lining Highway.
Must-visit Attractions
- Geremu Goddess Mountain: The sacred mountain of the Mosuo people. You can take a cable car to the mountain, enjoy the panoramic view of Lugu Lake, and experience Mosuo culture.
- Walking Marriage Bridge: The "No. 1 Magpie Bridge in the World", a landmark landscape of Caohai, witnessing the walking marriage custom of the Mosuo people.
- Lige Peninsula: Beautiful scenery, one of the landmark attractions of Lugu Lake, where you can experience Mosuo customs and lake views.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to play for 2 - 3 days to fully appreciate the beauty and culture of Lugu Lake.
- You can choose to cycle around the lake or take a battery car to enjoy the lake view and stop at various attractions freely.
- Participate in local bonfire parties, dance with the Mosuo people, and feel their hospitality.
- Try to take a pig trough boat to tour the lake and get close to the lake water and islands in the lake.
Precautions
- The altitude of Lugu Lake Scenic Area is 2,690 meters. Pay attention to preventing altitude sickness and prepare relevant medicines in advance.
- The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large. The temperature is low in the morning and evening, the weather changes obviously, and the ultraviolet rays are strong. Please bring warm clothes and sunscreen products.
- The scenic area has dense forest vegetation. Strictly abide by the relevant regulations on forest and grassland fire prevention. Do not carry inflammable and explosive items into the scenic area, and do not smoke in non-smoking areas.
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs, and show respect for the walking marriage custom.
- Pay attention to safety when playing by the lake. Wear a life jacket when taking a boat. Overloading is prohibited, and boating is not allowed when the wind and waves are large.