Lugu

The "Oriental Daughter Kingdom"

Located at the junction of Ninglang County in Yunnan Province and Yanyuan County in Sichuan Province, approximately 200 kilometers from Lijiang Ancient Town, Lugu Lake is a high-altitude gem often called the "Pearl of the Plateau". Resting at an altitude of about 2,690 meters with a surface area of 50 square kilometers, the lake is renowned for its crystal-clear water, which mirrors the surrounding mountains and sky like a giant sapphire. Beyond its natural beauty, Lugu Lake is globally famous as the "Oriental Daughter Kingdom," home to the Mosuo people who preserve the world's last intact matrilineal society. Here, the serene blue waters and the mysterious "Walking Marriage" customs create an atmosphere of romance and ancient tradition that feels completely detached from the modern world.

A Matrilineal Mystery: The Mosuo People

1.The soul of Lugu: Lake lies in its unique Mosuo culture. Living in a matrilineal society, the Mosuo people trace their lineage through the female line, and the grandmother is the head of the household. The most fascinating aspect of their culture is the "Azhu Marriage" or "Walking Marriage." In this tradition, men and women do not marry or cohabit in a traditional sense; instead, men visit their female partners at night and return to their mother's home at dawn, with children raised entirely by the mother's family. Visitors can explore traditional Mosuo villages like Daluoshui and Lige, visiting a "Grandmother's Room" (the central fire pit and social hub of the home) to drink Sulima wine and listen to stories of this unique social structure.

Lige Peninsula and Gemu Goddess Mountain

The lake's geography is dotted with five islands, three peninsulas, and a sea-wall anchorage. The most iconic scenic spot is the Lige Peninsula, which extends into the lake like a finger. From the viewing deck, the peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides, creates a perfect heart shape or a stunning silhouette against the blue water, making it a favorite spot for photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset. Watching over the lake is Gemu Goddess Mountain (Lion Mountain). Legend says the lake was formed by the tears of the Goddess Gemu, and the mountain is her physical manifestation. Visitors can take a cable car up the mountain to visit the Goddess Cave and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire lake and its islands.

Pig Trough Boats and the Grass Sea

2.No visit to Lugu: Lake is complete without a ride on a Pig Trough Boat (Zhucao Chuan). These traditional canoes, historically carved from a single log resembling a pig's feeding trough, are the main mode of transport. Rowing out to the middle of the lake, one can see the water is so clear that visibility reaches up to 11 meters, revealing swaying water plants and fish. The boats often take visitors to the Grass Sea (Caohai) at the southeastern end of the lake, a wetland covered in thick reeds. Spanning this green expanse is the Walking Marriage Bridge, a long wooden bridge known as the "Bridge of Love," where Mosuo men and women would traditionally meet to sing love songs and express their affection.

Bonfires and Starry Nights

As night falls, the lakeside villages come alive with Bonfire Parties. Locals dressed in traditional Mosuo attire gather in the village squares to perform the Guozhuang Dance. Visitors are invited to join the circle, linking arms and dancing to the rhythm of flutes and singing, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the "Daughter Kingdom". Due to its high altitude and lack of light pollution, Lugu Lake is also an exceptional place for stargazing. Staying in a lake-view hostel allows travelers to drift asleep to the sound of gentle waves under a canopy of brilliant stars.