Lugu Lake Yunnan Travel

April 4, 2013 - Yunnan - Tagged: Lugu Lake travel, Lugu Lake yunnan, Yunnan travel - no comments

Lugu Lake, also named Luhu Hu, Zuo Suo sea or Liang sea, lies 200 kilometers from the Lijiang Ancient City or the Lijiang Old Town, on the border between Ninglang County in Yunnan Province and Yanyuan County in Sichuan Province. It is is known for its peculiar natural scenery and the unique, mysterious culture of the Mosuo people.The place has become something of a legend because of the matriarchal system that it still upholds even today. Lugu Lake in Yunnan is like a beautiful pearl shining among the hills of the northwest plateau in Yunnan. Plan to travel to Yunnan or Lijiang, pay a visit to the Lugu lake.

Lugu lake travel China

Yunnan Lugu lake is the only place in China that still abides by this system. Women are the top leaders of the community’s extensive families, and all family members are descendants of the same woman. This society system in China is very special especially in the ancient China.

Lugu lake travel China

There is no marriage, no husbands or wives, fathers here in Lugu Lake. Lovers here meet at night but live separately with their own mother’s families by day. Children are under the care of and supported by their maternal families and adopt the surname of the mothers. All families are composed of the members of the matrilineal kin. Women operate production and management, and hold the principal position in the society, forming a modern day ‘woman’s kingdom’, which adds mystique to this place.

Lugu lake travel China

The lake is in the shape of a horse’s hoof – long from north to south, and narrower from east to west. The vista of the lake changes constantly throughout the day. The morning mist mixed with the light of the rising sun gives it an orange glow covered by mist. When the light of sun causes the hills to throw their shadows onto the water, the lake has a jade green color. The lake is calm and dark green in the evening when the sun sinks, and is peaceful when night comes. Gentle wind blows and water ripples.

Lugu lake travel China

The surface of Lugu Lake is 2,680 meters above sea level, with maximum visibility of 12 meters. The lake is one of the deepest freshwater lakes in China. Its water is blue and crystal-clear. The temperature of the lake surface varies from season to season. It’s cool in summer and warm in winter, with spring warmth all the year round.

Lugu lake travel China

There are five islands, three bylands and one causeway island in the lake, all of which are in different shapes and sizes with jade green lushes all around. They are different sizes and are like green boats floating on the water. Heiwawu Island, Liwubi Island, and Lige Island are most notable. Heiwawu Island is in the center and has a variety of birds living on it. The smallest is Nixi Island – an oblong rock covered with shrubs and moss. Besides the five islands, there are also three peninsulas and an island which is linked to a seawall on the shore by a path paved with small stones.

Lugu lake travel China

The Lugu lake is encircled with hills. The forest around the Lugu lake is dense and the air is fresh. This is a place that is little tainted by modern industry which is rare in China. Lugu lake has retained its natural beauty. The weather is pleasant – it is cool in summer and warm in winter. Like Kunming, all the seasons in Lugu Lake are as comfortable as spring, but the best seasons for travel are spring and summer when you can see emerald green mountains, the blooming flowers, singing birds.

Lugu lake China

Things to do on your Lugo Tour

* Trekking along the lakeside

* Boating in the lake to enjoy the leisure

* Visit traditional Mosuo families to explore the matriarchal society

* Participate in the Mosuo youths’ campfire party to witness how they express love to the beloved ones.

Admission Fee: RMB100

Lugu lake China