The Tranquil Harbor of the Daughter Kingdom: Zhaojiawan and the Bay of Silence

The "Quiet Daughter Kingdom"

1.Located on the northeast shore of Lugu: Lake, within the territory of Lugu Lake Town, Yanyuan County, Sichuan Province, Zhaojiawan (also known as Zhaojia Gou or Little Luoshui Bay) is a hidden sanctuary of peace and romance. Nestled near the border of Sichuan and Yunnan, this pristine village sits at an altitude of approximately 2,690 meters. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs of Lige or Daluoshui, Zhaojiawan retains a profound tranquility and an original ecological charm, earning it the reputation of being the "Quietest Daughter Kingdom" and a "Living Classroom of Walking Marriage Culture." The village is situated in a crescent-shaped bay, embraced by emerald mountains and facing the shimmering blue waters of the lake. It is a place where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic lifestyle of the Mosuo people and the breathtaking high-altitude scenery without the distraction of heavy commercialization,.

A Crescent Bay of Emerald Waters

2.The landscape of: Zhaojiawan is defined by its intimate "Moon Bay" geography. The water here is crystal clear, often described as a mirror reflecting the sky and the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Gemu Goddess Mountain in the distance. The bay is a haven for biodiversity and seasonal beauty. In spring and summer, the water's edge is adorned with blooming water primroses (seaweed flowers) and lush green reeds; in autumn, the reeds turn a magnificent golden yellow, swaying in the highland breeze like a soft wave. Winter brings flocks of migratory birds, particularly red-billed gulls, which add a lively white contrast to the deep blue water. Visitors can take a traditional pig trough boat (Zhucao Chuan) to glide across the bay, passing through natural reed mazes where fish and shrimp swim visibly in the depths. This harmonious blend of water, mountain, and sky creates a poetic atmosphere that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible,.

The Hearth and the Flower Tower

Zhaojiawan is one of the most authentic settlements for experiencing the Mosuo matrilineal culture. The villagers, predominantly of the Zhao surname branch, trace their lineage back to ancestors who migrated from Yunnan. The village preserves the traditional "Wood Log" (Mukeleng) architecture, characterized by interlocking log walls and wooden tile roofs. Central to each home is the Grandmother's Room with its sacred hearth (fire pit), which burns year-round, symbolizing the warmth and continuity of the matrilineal family. Visitors can enter these homes to sit by the fire, drink butter tea or Sulima wine, and listen to elders recount ancient myths and family histories. The village also features the iconic "Flower Towers"—the private rooms for adult Mosuo women—which are the focal point of the mysterious "Walking Marriage" custom. Here, men ("A-zhu") visit their lovers ("A-xia") at night and return to their mother's home in the morning, a tradition that emphasizes love based on affection rather than material binding,,.

A Sanctuary of Romance and Legend

Culturally, Zhaojiawan is deeply intertwined with the legends of Lugu Lake. It is said that the bay is like the gentle embrace of the Gemu Goddess, whose tears formed the lake. The village is a popular spot for couples, often referred to as a "Bay of Love," where the romantic traditions of the Mosuo are palpable. During festivals like the Turning the Mountain Festival (around Lunar July 25th), villagers row boats from the bay to worship the Goddess, filling the air with folk songs. At night, the absence of light pollution makes Zhaojiawan an incredible spot for stargazing; the Milky Way often stretches clearly above the silent lake. Bonfire parties are also held here, where visitors can join locals in the Jiacuo Dance, hand in hand, celebrating the joy of life and the freedom of the spirit. Whether hiking along the lakeside path, feeding seagulls in winter, or simply watching the sunset paint the bay in gold, Zhaojiawan offers a profound connection to a pure and ancient way of life,,.