Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) is located on the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, and it is renowned as one of the clearest plateau lakes in China. The name “Lugu” comes from the Mosuo language of the Naxi ethnic group, where “lu” means valley and “gu” means lake, translating to “lake in the valley.”
The lake is surrounded by the Mosuo people, who are known for their matriarchal society and the unique “walking marriage” system, where men do not marry and women do not leave their families. This unique cultural practice has earned the Mosuo the title of “the last matriarchal society in the world.”
Lugu Lake was formed by a tectonic subsidence, giving it a distinct horseshoe shape. The water is exceptionally pure, and its colors change dramatically throughout the day. In the early morning, as dawn breaks, the lake takes on a golden-red hue. As the sun rises higher, the water turns a vibrant green, and by sunset, it shifts to a deep, inky green.
Travel Information about Lugu Lake
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥70
Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit
The most enchanting time to visit Lugu Lake is from late May to early June when the flowers are in full bloom, the lake water is a deep blue, and the grasslands are breathtakingly beautiful.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Located to the north of Ninglang County in Lijiang.
Bus Services: Direct buses to Lugu Lake are available from Lijiang Passenger Station, taking approximately 4.5 hours. Additionally, there are several bus routes from Yulong County Passenger Station to Lugu Lake.
Flights: You can also fly directly to Ninglang Lugu Lake Airport from Kunming, Chengdu, or Chongqing and take the airport shuttle to the scenic area.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Experience: ★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★★
- Natural Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
Highlights of Lugu Lake
Caohai (Grass Sea)
Lugu Lake is home to four Grass Seas, with the two larger ones located in Sichuan Province. Known as the natural outflow of Lugu Lake, Caohai is a vast wetland area featuring extensive reed beds that grow densely, resembling a sea of grass.
In autumn and winter, the grasses in Caohai turn golden and gently lean over the surface of the lake. The blue sky and white clouds of the plateau reflect beautifully in the water, creating a mesmerizing scene where the golden hues blend with the blues and whites above, enhancing the mystical allure of the lake.
A long wooden bridge known as the “Walking Marriage Bridge” spans the Grass Sea, connecting both shores. Visitors can also spot traditional wooden pig trough boats, adding to the unique charm of this picturesque area.
Lugu Lake’s Three Islands
Lugu Lake, known as the “Mother Lake” of the local Mosuo people, is adorned with several islands and peninsulas, making it a must-visit for travelers exploring the area.
Lige Island: Located at the base of Lion Mountain, Lige Island is a beautiful causeway island nestled in the northern bay of Lugu Lake. Surrounded by water on three sides, it is connected to the causeway by a narrow stone path, creating a tranquil environment. The island is home to several Mosuo families, with houses built along the shoreline, allowing residents to fish right from their windows.
Liwu Bi Island: This island, often referred to as Snake Island, is the largest and most vegetated of the five islands in the lake, situated in the center of Lugu Lake. It serves as a burial site for local chieftains and features a temple known as Liwu Bi Temple, where the local people practice Tibetan Buddhism.
Xiewa Island: Located about 2,500 meters from the shore near Luoshui Village, Xiewa Island is lush with trees and home to a variety of birds. It serves as a haven for migratory birds and wild ducks and was once the water palace of the Yongning chieftains.
Mosuo Villages Around Lugu Lake
Lugu Lake is surrounded by several charming Mosuo villages, each with its unique architectural style and cultural heritage. Notable villages include Daluoshui, Lige, Nise, and Xiaoluo Shui, among others. The traditional homes in these villages are primarily constructed using a unique technique called “well-dried log construction,” resulting in wooden houses that provide warmth in winter and coolness in summer.
Daluoshui Village: Located along the highway from Ninglang to Yongning and adjacent to Lugu Lake, Daluoshui is a must-visit destination. The village is divided into Upper Daluoshui and Lower Daluoshui, featuring all-wooden structures without the use of bricks or tiles. This characteristic makes it a prime example of the Mosuo people’s traditional log houses.
Lige Village: Nestled at the foot of Goddess Ge Mu Mountain, Lige Village is uniquely situated on a peninsula with picturesque views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Its distinctive geography and scenic beauty make Lige a favorite spot among visitors.
Nise Village: Just a 30-minute hike from Lige Village, Nise retains much of its original charm and offers beautiful scenery. It stands out among the villages around Lugu Lake for its well-preserved traditional ambiance.
Visitor Guide for Lugu Lake
Transportation in Lugu Lake Scenic Area
Minibuses: Lugu Lake is surrounded by a circular road, making it convenient to explore the area. Visitors can rent local minibuses to tour the lake, with rental prices typically ranging from several dozen yuan per day.
Boats: To visit the islands within the lake, travelers can take a boat from Luoshui Village. The unique “pig trough boats” used by the Mosuo people are particularly noteworthy. These boats are crafted from a sturdy hollowed-out log, shaped with pointed ends, resembling a long pig trough, which gives them their name.
Accommodation Options at Lugu Lake
Lugu Lake offers a variety of lodging and dining options in its charming villages, particularly in Luoshui Village and Lige Village. Many inns and small restaurants are available, making it convenient for visitors to eat and stay. Some guesthouses even offer “Mosuo family visits,” allowing guests to experience the local culture and family life.
Man Shan Lige Boutique Inn (缦山里格心青客栈): Located about 90 meters from the lake in Lige Village, this inn features a green area in front where guests can relax on the balcony, enjoying tea or reading while taking in the serene surroundings.
Bi An Inn (彼岸客栈): Situated on the Lige Peninsula, this inn boasts excellent views, although the room rates are relatively higher. Each room has a balcony, providing a perfect spot to sip tea or read while overlooking the beautiful Lugu Lake.
Lakeside Tea House International Youth Hostel (湖思茶屋国际青年旅舍): Found in Luoshui Village, this hostel offers a quieter environment. Rooms come with en-suite bathrooms and balconies, while the downstairs glass room provides a cozy dining experience.
Local Cuisine at Lugu Lake
Dining around Lugu Lake is primarily concentrated in Luoshui Village and Lige Village, where visitors can find a variety of local restaurants serving unique dishes. Most inns also provide meals for guests. Here are two standout dishes that are a must-try:
Pig Fat Meat (猪膘肉): This is a special delicacy among the Mosuo people living near Lugu Lake. The dish is prepared by slaughtering a pig and then using a unique technique to cure the entire animal. The result is a rich yet non-greasy flavor that is both delicious and easy to store, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Xiao Dang Wine (晓当酒): This traditional Mosuo drink is a low-alcohol beverage known for its pleasant taste. However, caution is advised when consuming it, as many people may not feel its effects immediately. It is humorously named “Xiao Dang Wine” because some who drink it may suddenly find themselves tipsy after finishing, leading to a quick collapse.
Itineraries for Lugu Lake
Lake Circumference Route: Lige Village → Nise Village → Xiao Luoshui Village → Dazui Village → Zuosuo Town → Caohai (Marriage Bridge).
Yongning Route: Lige Village → Zhudi Village (Moon Bay) → Zhashi Village → Chenjiawan Village → Zhongshi Village (Tusi Office Ruins) → Yongning (Zamei Temple) → Hot Springs.
Exploration Route: Lige Village → Xiao Yuba → Daluoshui Village → Axia Valley (Source of Lugu Lake).