In the Mosuo language, Lugu means "falling into the water" and hu means "lake" in Chinese. Lugu lake is surrounded by mountains and has five islands, four peninsulas, fourteen bays and seventeen beaches, just like a beautiful pearl shining among the hills of the northwest plateau in Yunnan. The lake's shores are inhabited by many minority ethnic groups, such as the Norzu, Yi, Pumi and Tibetan. Lugu Lake is also the native place of "The Females' Kingdom" composed of the Mosuo people, a branch of the Naxi nationality. The middle of the lake forms the border between the Ninglang County of Yunnan Province and the Yanyuan County of Sichuan province. We were fortunate that we were able to visit the lake twice: first visit at Christmas, second in July a couple of years later. By far, the best time to visit is during the winter. There are more birds making their migrating home at the lake and the water is so clear. You don't have to take my word for it, look at the photos around the lake.
Take a walking tour by clicking or tapping the rectangles around the lake.
Grass Lake 草海
Cao Hai is a lake area covered with thick reeds. Covering an area of 10 square kilometers (4 square miles). It is like a piece of jade inlaid in the east of Lugu Lake. Mosuo girls paddle their boats through the reeds with melodious Mosuo songs. There is a romantic bridge across on Cao Hai Lake named Walking Marriage Bridge. It is the place where Mosuo people date each other.
The difference between winter and summer at Grass Lake is like day and night in my opinion. I would love to see it during Spring, but winter is my favorite. I have put the winter and summer photos together so that you can see the difference.
Lige Island 里格岛
Most travelers regard Lige Island as the most beautiful island which is situated at the foot of the Gemu Goddess Mountain 泸沽湖格姆女神山, embraced by water on three sides. From the observation deck enjoy panoramic view of Lige Island stretching into Lugu Lake while the Gemu Goddess Mountain is behind you. This is truly the iconic photo of the lake and we were blessed to have the most beautiful day of our trip during our first visit on Christmas Day!
Gemu Goddess Mountain 格姆女神山
Gemu Mountain, also known as the Lion Mountain, is a well- known holy mountain of Mosuo people located at Lugu Lake. The local people believed that this mountain is the physical transformation of the goddess Gemu. Every 25th of July of the lunar calendar, there will be a Mountain-Circling festival in this place where the locals also come to worship the goddess Gemu.
Zhu Cao Chuan 猪槽船
A unique boat that is used by the Mosuo Tribe is the Zhu Cao Chuan. Literally, Pig Trough Boat. It is 3 manned boat which have to be manually rowed. The government does not permit any motorized boat to be operated on the lake to reduce pollution. Not just that, no fishing, no hunting and no plucking any plants or trees on this vicinity. Great effort it taken to maintain the flora and fauna around this lake.
