Lugu Lake

Lijiang Attractions

	Introduction to Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) Lugu Lake is located 260km north of Lijiang and is a border lake between Yunnan Province and Sichuan Province. It is known for its peculiar natural scenery and the unique matriarchal culture of the Mosuo people, that it sill upholds today. In the Mosuo language of Naxi nationality, “Lu” means “a gully” and “Gu” means “inside”. These two words mean “a lake in a gully” . Lugu Lake has an area of over 50 square kilometers and is 2,690 meters above sea level, with maximum visibility of 12 meters, and is the highest lake in Yunnan Province. There are many legends and stories that surround the beautiful landscapes of Lugu Lake. The lake area is inhabited by many minority ethnic groups, such as the Mosuo, Norzu, Yi, Pumi and Tibetan. the Mosuo people, are said to be a sub clan of the Naxi People. The lake is one of the deepest freshwater lakes in China. Its water is blue and crystal-clear. There are five islands, three bylands and one causeway island in lugu lake attractions, all of which are in different shapes and sizes with jade green lushes all around. The temperature of the lake surface varies from season to season. The Naxi nationality lives by the Lugu Lake. Their gorgeous dresses, elegant songs and pictographic characters are some of the typical signs of Dongba culture that still remains today. The Mosuo people by the Lugu Lake still follow the so called “Azhu” marriage system (a traditional marriage system based on matriarchal families) and share some characteristics in building a family through matriarchal lines.Women are the leaders of the community’s extensive families. There are neither husbands nor fathers, lovers meet at night but by day they live separately with their own mother’s families. Women also operate production and management, and hold the principal position in the society. This "woman’s kingdom" adds mystique to the place.

	Location Lugu Lake locates at about 200 kilometers from Lijiang downtown, on the border between Ninglang County in Yunnan Province and Yanyuan County in Sichuan Province.

	Main Sights Caohai Lake, A-xia Dell, Muosuo Family (walking marriages culture), Lugu three islands (Nixi Island, Liwubi Island, Naizhongpu Island), Jiyi Cave (karst cave)

	Travel Information Opening Hours: All day long Admission Fee: 100 yuan ( optional: 30 yuan for every boating, 30 yuan to join the bonfire, and 20 yuan for visiting a Muosuo family) Visiting Time: one day and one night (visit local family and join bonfire at night) Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Lugu Lake is spring and summer. During this time, there are less rainfall and suitable temperature in Lugu Lake.

	Transportation 1. From High Speed Passenger Depot of Lijiang to Daluoshui Village: Departure Time: 8:20, 8:50 Ticket Price: CNY 70 Duration: Around 5 hours 2. From New Passenger Depot of Lijiang to Daluoshui Village: Departure Time: 9:00, 10:00 Ticket Price: CNY 77 Duration: Around 5 hours

	Travel Tips 1. It is suggested to buy return tickets in advance for the tickets are likely to be sold out quickly. 2. Bring enough cash for it is hard to find an ATM accepting tourist’s cards in Lugu Lake around. 3. Carry with sunscreen cream and sunglasses to filter out strong ultraviolet rays.

	Tour including Visiting Lugu Lake Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces Trekking 27 Days Tour