Lugu Lake, Lijiang, Yunnan, China | Lugu Lake Mosuo Love Song Journey | Departure from Lijiang
- 360-degree lake tour
- Goddess Mountain Cableway to View the Lake
- pig-trough boat tour on the lake
- Lake view room accommodation
- Mosuo Walking Wedding Banquet
- Enchanted by the Mosuo Bonfire Party
Package Options
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Lugu Lake, Lijiang, Yunnan, China | Lugu Lake Mosuo Love Song Tour | Departure from Lijiang
Lugu Lake is nestled in the mountains between Ninglang County in Yunnan Province and Yanyuan County in Sichuan Province, 69 kilometers from Ninglang County. The lake covers an area of 52 square kilometers, with an average depth of 45 meters and a maximum depth of 93 meters. The water is crystal clear, with a maximum visibility of 12 meters. The lake flows eastward into the Yalong River and the Jinsha River, belonging to the Yangtze River system. The lake is shaped like a horseshoe, long from north to south and narrow from east to west, resembling a gourd with a curved neck, hence its name, Lugu Lake. The Mosuo people, who live on the shores of Lugu Lake, still retain the "A-Xia" walking marriage custom, where men do not marry and women do not wed. After reaching adulthood, the man visits the woman's home at night. They address each other as "A-Xia," meaning "intimate partner." In Mosuo homes, the woman is the head of the household and worships a goddess. The Mosuo's matriarchal family tradition is a rare "daughter kingdom" in the world today, and they are also known as a "living fossil of matriarchal society."
The Lugu Lake viewing platform is the best spot to enjoy a panoramic view of Lugu Lake. From here, you can clearly see the beautiful curves of Lugu Lake, the verdant islands scattered on the mirror-like blue surface of the lake, and the majestic Gemu Goddess Mountain standing gracefully on the north shore.
The Gemu Goddess Mountain Cableway Project includes a tour package encompassing an elevator, cableway, mountain trails, Monkey King Park, Lugu Lake panoramic viewing platform, Goddess Cave, and a toboggan run. The 1500-meter-long cableway is the only access to Gemu Goddess Mountain, the sacred mountain of the Mosuo people, and also the only cableway in the entire Lugu Lake area. The Lugu Lake panoramic viewing platform offers the best vantage point in the entire Lugu Lake scenic area, providing panoramic views and showcasing the most quintessential beauty of the lake. Goddess Cave, imbued with the religious beliefs of the Mosuo people, is their most revered sacred cave.
The Walking Marriage Bridge is located in the Caohai area of the southeastern waters of Lugu Lake and is the only bridge on the lake. Due to the accumulation of silt over the years, the water under the bridge has become shallow and is covered with dense reeds, making it look like a sea of grass from a distance, hence the local name "Caohai" (Grass Sea).
Lige Island, located at the foot of Lion Mountain, is a beautiful causeway-connected island in the bay on the northern edge of Lugu Lake. Surrounded by water on three sides, it is connected to the causeway by a pebbled path, creating a very tranquil environment. More than ten Mosuo families live on the island in ancient log cabins built along its shore. The doors and windows of the houses face the water, allowing for fishing right from the windows – a truly idyllic scene.
Purchase Notice
【Service】24-hour travel concierge service
[Transportation] 7-15 seater minivan, 1 person per seat
[Tickets] All attraction tickets
[Accommodation] Characteristic guesthouses around Lugu Lake, with a variety of lake-view rooms available.
[Meals] 3 lunches and 1 breakfast, including a Mosuo walking marriage banquet and local specialty chicken.
【Pick-up and Drop-off】Pick-up within Lijiang city, ending around Lijiang Old Town.
Reminders
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 7 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 2 day(s) before departure (local time 00:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 30 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
FAQ
Lugu Lake is beautiful year-round, but generally, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather and stunning scenery. In spring, flowers bloom, and in autumn, the clear skies provide excellent visibility for admiring the lake's serene landscapes and changing foliage. Summers (June to August) are lush but can be rainy, while winters (December to February) are cold but offer a unique, tranquil beauty with potential for snow.
Traveling to Lugu Lake from Lijiang City typically involves a scenic drive through mountainous terrain. Options include taking a long-distance bus from Lijiang Bus Station, which is a cost-effective choice. For greater convenience and a more structured journey, arranging private transportation or joining an organized tour from Lijiang is highly recommended. The journey usually takes approximately 4-5 hours, offering picturesque views along the way.
Lugu Lake is administratively divided, straddling the border between Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China. While often associated with Lijiang due to its proximity and common departure point for tours, only the Yunnan side is governed by Ninglang County in Lijiang Prefecture. The Sichuan side falls under Yanyuan County in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, giving the lake a unique dual-provincial geographical and cultural context.
Lugu Lake offers several distinct activities for visitors. A must-try is the Zhucao (pig trough) boat tour, where you can peacefully glide across the lake's pristine waters. Other experiences include a comprehensive 360-degree panoramic lake tour, offering diverse views of the entire area, and taking the cable car up Goddess Mountain (Gemu Mountain) for breathtaking aerial vistas of the lake and its surrounding islands.
Lugu Lake is the heart of Mosuo culture, where visitors can immerse themselves in unique traditions. You can experience a traditional Mosuo wedding feast, which provides insight into their distinctive 'walking marriage' customs and local cuisine. Additionally, many evenings feature lively Mosuo bonfire parties, where locals and tourists gather to sing, dance, and share stories, fostering a vibrant sense of community and celebration.
The Goddess Mountain (Gemu Mountain) cable car at Lugu Lake offers truly spectacular panoramic views. As you ascend, you'll gain an elevated perspective of the entire Lugu Lake, with its shimmering waters, dotted islands, and surrounding lush mountains. This vantage point provides an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the lake's unique shape and the vast, serene landscape, making it perfect for photography and a memorable aerial experience.
For overnight stays at Lugu Lake, a variety of accommodation options are available, with lake view rooms being a highly sought-after choice. Many guesthouses and hotels are strategically situated along the lakeside, offering rooms with balconies or large windows that directly overlook the beautiful waters of Lugu Lake. These rooms provide a peaceful ambiance and stunning views, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment from their lodging.
Yes, Lugu Lake does require an entrance fee for visitors to access the scenic area. This fee typically covers general admission to the Lugu Lake region, contributing to the preservation and maintenance of its natural environment and cultural sites. It grants access to the main tourist areas around the lake, allowing visitors to explore its beauty, though specific activities like the Zhucao boat ride or the Goddess Mountain cable car may incur separate charges.
Get Help
