The World's First Magpie Bridge: Walking Marriage Bridge and the Romance of the Daughter Kingdom

The "Number One Magpie Bridge Under Heaven"

1.Located in the: Caohai (Grass Sea) area at the southeast end of Lugu Lake, spanning the border between Yanyuan County (Sichuan) and Ninglang County (Yunnan), the Walking Marriage Bridge (Zouhun Qiao) is the only bridge crossing this expansive alpine lake. It serves as the iconic landmark of Lugu Lake, known romantically as the "World's First Magpie Bridge." The bridge is a rustic wooden structure, approximately 300 meters long and 2 meters wide, stretching across the lush, reed-filled wetland like a dragon resting on the water. It sits at an altitude of about 2,690 meters, blending seamlessly with the surrounding plateau landscape of emerald waters and distant mountains. As the signature attraction of the "Eastern Daughter Kingdom," the bridge is not merely a physical crossing but a spiritual symbol of the mysterious and free Mosuo culture, attracting lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers from around the world,,.

A Symbol of the "Walking Marriage"

The bridge's name derives from the unique "Walking Marriage" (Zouhun) custom of the Mosuo people, the last matrilineal society in China. In this tradition, "men do not take a wife, and women do not take a husband." Instead, adults live in their mother's large extended families. Relationships are based on affection; a man (called "A-zhu") would walk to the woman's (called "A-xia") home at night and return to his mother's home in the morning. Historically, before the bridge was built, Mosuo men had to ride horses around the lake or row boats to visit their lovers on the other side of the Grass Sea. The bridge was constructed to facilitate these nightly journeys of love. Today, while the wooden planks have been renewed, the bridge remains a powerful testament to this free and pure form of romance. Walking across it with a loved one is said to bring blessings to the relationship, though local legend playfully warns couples not to walk to the very end and return immediately, symbolizing that love should be enduring and not turn back,,.

The Spectacle of the Grass Sea (Caohai)

2.The Walking Marriage Bridge traverses the: Caohai, a massive wetland area covering about 9,000 mu (600 hectares). This "Sea of Grass" acts as the ecological lung of Lugu Lake. The view from the bridge changes dramatically with the seasons: in spring and summer, the reeds are a vibrant, verdant green, rustling in the highland breeze like ocean waves; in autumn and winter, they turn a magnificent golden yellow, creating a stunning contrast with the deep blue sky and water. The area is a haven for biodiversity, hosting diverse water birds like egrets, herons, and even rare black-necked cranes. Visitors can see colorful pig trough boats (Zhucao Chuan) manually rowed by Mosuo men and women threading through the reed mazes, painting a poetic picture of harmony between humans and nature. The interplay of the rustic wooden bridge, the swaying reeds, and the shimmering water creates a scene of dreamlike beauty,,.

A Journey of Romance and Heritage

3.The Walking Marriage: Bridge is more than a scenic spot; it is an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can stroll along the wooden planks, feeling the creak of history beneath their feet, or rent a traditional boat to glide under the bridge and explore the depths of the wetland. The bridge connects villages on both banks, allowing easy access to traditional Mosuo dwellings and local life. Vendors often sell local handicrafts and snacks on the bridge, adding a lively, authentic atmosphere. Whether you are capturing the golden glow of the sunset reflecting off the water, listening to Mosuo folk songs echoing across the reeds, or simply holding hands with a partner in this "Holy Land of Love," the Walking Marriage Bridge offers a profound connection to the pure, unburdened spirit of the Mosuo people,,.