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 area and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area has distinctive features. 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. It is surrounded by lofty mountains and ridges, with abundant forest resources. There is a snow accumulation period of more than three months each year, and it is known as a "Penglaixianjing" (fairyland). The scenic area covers about 20.7 square kilometers.
History and Culture
Yanyuan is a place with a long history and rich cultural heritage. Its earliest archaeologically verifiable history can be traced back to the Stone Age, and its recorded history can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. The Mosuo people by Lugu Lake have a strong matriarchal worship complex and a legacy of matriarchal civilization. They practice a matrilineal clan system: "coming from the mother, returning to the mother." No matter how many generations Mosuo sons and daughters are passed down through, they ultimately return to their mother's homeland.
The religion of the Mosuo people integrates multiple cultural elements. In addition to the indigenous primitive religion Dabaism, there is also Lamaism introduced from Tibetan areas. Before the Yuan Dynasty, the Mosuo people practiced tribal chieftain rule under the "Womi." Beginning in the Yuan Dynasty, the tusi system under the jurisdiction of the central government was implemented. In the Qing Dynasty, "five suo, four si, and three wharves" were established. During the Republic of China period, the tusi system was severely threatened, and it was not until the democratic reform in 1956 that the tusi system, which had lasted nearly 700 years, came to an end.
The story of the last princess consort, Xiao Shuming, also adds legendary color to Lugu Lake. In 1943, 16-year-old Xiao Shuming was matchmade by Liu Wenhui, chairman of Xikang Province, and married Lusuo Tusi La Baochen of Zuosuo. Afterwards, she returned to Lugu Lake with La Baochen, wore Mosuo clothing, respected Mosuo customs, and began her career as the last princess consort at Lugu Lake.
Main Attractions
Gem Goddess Mountain
Gem Goddess Mountain is the sacred mountain of the Mosuo people. On the mountain there is the Goddess Cave cableway, as well as tourism experience projects including climbing boardwalks, the Monkey King Paradise, and the best viewpoint in the entire Lugu Lake scenic area - the Lugu Lake panoramic viewing platform.
Caohai
The most famous part of Caohai is the Marriage-Walking Bridge, known as "the best magpie bridge in the world." It is a 300-meter-long wooden bridge extending from the reeds of Caohai, spanning Caohai, passing through the reeds, and reaching directly to the villages on both shores. It provides a convenient passage for villagers on both shores and for the "Axia" who practice "walking marriage."
Lige Peninsula
Lige Peninsula is located on the north side of Lugu Lake and is one of the iconic attractions of the Lugu Lake scenic area. The peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides and has beautiful scenery. On the island there are ancient Mosuo dwellings and inns, allowing tourists to experience a rich Mosuo atmosphere.
Axia Valley
Axia Valley is an important part of the Lugu Lake scenic area. In the valley there are murmuring streams and dense forests. The environment is quiet and secluded, making it a good place to explore the mysterious "Axia" walking marriage custom of the Mosuo people.
Suggested Itinerary：
Reference for a 2-day tour route of Lugu Lake:
Day 1: Lijiang Ancient Town → Lining Eighteen Bends → Sanjia Village Pier → Caohai → Marriage-Walking Bridge → Luowa Pier → Gem Goddess Mountain → Bonfire Party.
Day 2: Sunrise → Lover's Beach → Luyuan Cliff → Lover Tree → Lige Peninsula → Daluoshui Village.
Travel Suggestions：
It is recommended to spend 2-3 days traveling so as to fully appreciate the beauty and culture of Lugu Lake.
You can choose to cycle around the lake or take an electric shuttle bus, enjoying the lake and mountain scenery while freely stopping at various attractions.
Participate in the local bonfire party, dance with the Mosuo people, and feel their warm hospitality.
Try taking a pig-trough boat on the lake to get close to the lake water and the small islands in the lake.
Precautions：
The Lugu Lake scenic area is at an altitude of 2,690 meters. Pay attention to preventing altitude sickness and prepare relevant medicines in advance.
The scenic area has a large temperature difference between day and night. Temperatures are lower in the morning and evening, the weather changes noticeably, and ultraviolet rays are strong. Bring warm clothing and sun protection supplies.
The scenic area has dense forest vegetation. Strictly abide by the relevant regulations on forest and grassland fire prevention and firefighting. Do not bring flammable and explosive items into the scenic area, and do not smoke in no-smoking places.
Respect local religious beliefs and folk customs, and show respect for the walking marriage custom.
Pay attention to safety when playing by the lake. When taking a boat, you must wear a life jacket. Overloading is prohibited. Do not take a boat when the wind and waves are strong.
Transportation：
From Lijiang: You can take a bus to Lugu Lake at Lijiang Passenger Transport Station or Yulong Passenger Transport Station. Departure times from Lijiang Passenger Transport Station include 9:00, 10:00, 15:00, etc. Departure times from Yulong Passenger Transport Station include 8:00, 8:10, 8:20, 8:30, 15:10, 15:15, etc. Reference fares are between 71 and 98 yuan.
From Xichang: There are 3 to 4 buses from Xichang to the Lugu Lake scenic area every day. The departure point is Xichang Passenger Transport Station (near Torch Square), No. 412 Sanchakou South Road, Xichang. The travel time is about 7-8 hours. You can also choose to first take a bullet train or plane from Chengdu to Xichang, then transfer to a bus to Lugu Lake.
Self-driving: From Chengdu, take the Chengya Expressway or Chengwenqiong Expressway to the Yaxi Expressway to reach Xichang, then go from Xichang to Lugu Lake; from Lijiang, you can go to Lugu Lake via the Lining Highway.
Opening Hours：
The opening hours of the Lugu Lake scenic area are 08:00-18:00. The opening hours of the Gem Goddess Mountain scenic area are 8:00-17:00. Subject to scenic area announcements.
Tickets：
The ticket price for the Lugu Lake scenic area is 70 yuan per person.