Lugu Lake is 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-level scenic spot and a national 4A-level scenic area. The scenic area features distinct characteristics: the lake water here is clear and azure. It is the highest-altitude lake in Yunnan and one of the deepest freshwater lakes in China. Surrounded by towering mountains, it boasts abundant forest resources and has a snow cover period of more than three months a year, hence earning the reputation of "Penglai Wonderland". The scenic area covers an area of approximately 20.7 square kilometers.
Historical Culture
Yanyuan is a place with a long history and profound cultural heritage. Its history that can be proven by cultural relics dates back to the Stone Age, and its history recorded in documents can be traced to the Han Dynasty. The Mosuo people living by the shores of Lugu Lake have a strong maternal worship complex and remnants of matrilineal civilization, practicing a matrilineal clan system. Adhering to the concept of "coming from the mother and returning to the mother", Mosuo descendants will eventually return to their mother's home no matter how many generations pass.
The religion of the Mosuo people integrates a variety of cultural elements. In addition to the local primitive religion of Dabaism, there is also Lamaism introduced from the Tibetan area. Before the Yuan Dynasty, the Mosuo people were ruled by tribal leaders called "Womi". Starting from the Yuan Dynasty, the chieftain system under the jurisdiction of the central government was implemented. In the Qing Dynasty, the "Five Offices, Four Divisions, and Three Wharves" were established. During the Republic of China period, the chieftain system was seriously threatened, and it was not until the democratic reform in 1956 that the chieftain system, which had lasted for nearly 700 years, came to an end.
The story of Xiao Shuming, the last chieftain's wife, also adds a legendary touch to Lugu Lake. In 1943, 16-year-old Xiao Shuming, with the matchmaker being Liu Wenhui, the Chairman of Xikang Province, married La Baochen, the chieftain of Zuosuo in Lugu Lake. Later, she returned to Lugu Lake with La Baochen, wore Mosuo costumes, respected Mosuo customs, and began her life as the last chieftain's wife in Lugu Lake.
Major Attractions
Gemugnashan Mountain (Gemu Goddess Mountain)
Gemugnashan Mountain is a sacred mountain for the Mosuo people. There is a cableway leading to the Goddess Cave on the mountain, which includes tourist experience projects such as a mountain-climbing plank road, the Monkey King Paradise, and the best viewing point of the entire Lugu Lake Scenic Area - the Lugu Lake Panoramic Viewing Platform.
Caohai (Grass Sea)
The most famous spot in Caohai is the Zouhun Bridge (Walking Marriage Bridge), which is known as "the No.1 Magpie Bridge in the World". It is a 300-meter-long wooden bridge extending from the reed marshes of Caohai. Spanning across Caohai and passing through the reeds, it reaches the villages on both banks, providing a convenient passage for villagers on both sides and the "Axia" (lovers in Mosuo walking marriage custom) who practice "walking marriage".
Lige Peninsula
Lige Peninsula is located on the northern side of Lugu Lake and is one of the iconic attractions of the Lugu Lake Scenic Area. Surrounded by water on three sides, it boasts beautiful scenery. There are ancient Mosuo dwellings and inns on the peninsula, allowing tourists to experience the rich Mosuo customs.
Axia Valley
Axia Valley is an important part of the Lugu Lake Scenic Area. With gurgling streams and dense forests inside the valley, the environment is quiet and peaceful. It is an ideal place to explore the mysterious "Axia" walking marriage custom of the Mosuo people.
Travel Routes
Reference for a 2-day tour route in Lugu Lake:
Day 1: Lijiang Ancient Town → Lining 18 Bends → Sanjiacun Wharf → Grass Sea → Walking Marriage Bridge → Luowa Wharf → Gemu Goddess Mountain → Bonfire Party.
Day 2: Sunrise → Lover's Beach → Luyuan Cliff → Lover's Tree → Lige Peninsula → Daluoshui Village.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended to spend 2-3 days traveling to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery and culture of Lugu Lake.
- You can choose to cycle around the lake or take an electric car to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery while stopping freely at various attractions.
- Participate in the local bonfire party, dance with the Mosuo people, and experience their hospitality.
- Try taking a pig trough boat (a traditional Mosuo boat) to tour the lake and get close to the lake water and the small islands in the lake.
Notes
- The Lugu Lake Scenic Area is located at an altitude of 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, with low temperatures in the morning and evening. The weather changes significantly, and the ultraviolet rays are strong. It is necessary to bring warm clothes and sun protection products.
- The scenic area is covered with dense forest vegetation. Strictly abide by the relevant regulations on forest and grassland fire prevention and extinguishing. Do not bring flammable and explosive items into the scenic area, and do not smoke in non-smoking areas.
- Respect the local religious beliefs and folk customs, and show respect for the walking marriage custom.
- Pay attention to safety when playing by the lake. You must wear a life jacket when taking a boat, overloading is prohibited, and you cannot take a boat when the wind and waves are strong.
Transportation
- Departing from Lijiang: You can take a bus from Lijiang Coach Station or Yulong Coach Station to Lugu Lake. The departure times of Lijiang Coach Station are 9:00, 10:00, 15:00, etc., and the departure times of Yulong Coach Station are 8:00, 8:10, 8:20, 8:30, 15:10, 15:15, etc. The reference ticket price ranges from 71 to 98 yuan.
- Departing from Xichang: There are 3 to 4 buses from Xichang to the Lugu Lake Scenic Area every day. The departure location is Xichang Coach Station (near the Torch Square) at No. 412, South Sanchakou Road, Xichang. The travel time is approximately 7-8 hours. You can also choose to take a high-speed train or plane from Chengdu to Xichang first, then transfer to a bus to Lugu Lake.
- Self-driving: Depart from Chengdu, take the Chengdu-Ya'an Expressway or Chengdu-Wenjiang-Qionglai Expressway to the Ya'an-Xichang Expressway to reach Xichang, then go from Xichang to Lugu Lake; depart from Lijiang, you can go to Lugu Lake via the Lijiang-Ninglang Highway.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the Lugu Lake Scenic Area are 08:00-18:00. The opening hours of the Gemu Goddess Mountain Scenic Area are 8:00-17:00. Please refer to the official announcement of the scenic area for the latest information.
Tickets
The ticket price for the Lugu Lake Scenic Area is 70 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area "泸沽湖景区" to obtain the latest updates or purchase tickets online.