Lover Tree

情人树

Beside Lugu Lake, all the trees growing there are pairs of lover trees. Growing in pairs beside Lugu Lake, like close partners, inseparable, they are called lover trees by the locals.

Attractions Location: Lakeside of Nisai Village, Lugu Lake Scenic Area, Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yanyuan County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province

Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
0834-6390322

Transportation:
Arrive in Lugu Lake Scenic Area by charter car or on foot

Time reference: Less than 1 hour


Recommended itinerary for Lover Tree tours

1‑Day Itinerary: A Day of Love at Qionghai & Lover Tree

This short trip focuses on romantic scenery, ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking peace and nature near Xichang.

  • 08:00 – Arrive in Xichang City via high-speed train or Xichang Qingshan Airport.
  • 09:30 – Take a taxi or Bus No. 12 to Qionghai Wetland Park (~30 mins).
  • 10:00 – Walk or rent a bicycle to reach the Lover Tree (located lakeside; often marked on local maps).
  • 12:30 – Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant featuring local Yi-style fish dishes.
  • 14:00 – Take a boat ride across Qionghai Lake or relax at a teahouse with a view.
  • 17:00 – Return to Xichang by taxi or public bus.

Accommodation/Food: If staying overnight, book a lake-view hotel or resort. Recommended food includes roasted fish, Liangshan-style buckwheat pancakes, and Yi preserved meat dishes.

Souvenirs: Local handmade silver jewelry, Yi ethnic embroidery, Qionghai Lake-themed postcards and crafts.


2‑Day Itinerary: Lakeside Romance & Yi Culture

Combine natural scenery with traditional Yi ethnic culture and crafts.

  • Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary above.
  • Day 2:
    • 08:00 – Breakfast at hotel.
    • 09:00 – Drive or take a taxi to Yi Ethnic Cultural Park (~25 min from city center).
    • 10:00 – Enjoy traditional dance performances, costumes, and crafts.
    • 13:00 – Lunch at the park’s ethnic-style restaurant.
    • 15:00 – Visit Xichang Moon Square (city landmark) for sunset and local street snacks.

Accommodation/Food: Stay near Moon Square for easy food access. Try Yi-style hotpot and grilled lamb skewers at night markets.

Souvenirs: Ethnic musical instruments, handwoven bags, Yi-style shawls.


3‑Day Itinerary: Hot Springs & Ancient Trails

Explore further with mountain hot springs and ancient trails once used by Yi people.

  • Days 1–2: Follow above itinerary.
  • Day 3:
    • 07:30 – Depart by car/tour van to Luoji Mountain Hot Springs (~1.5 hours drive).
    • 09:30 – Relax in natural hot springs; hike light trails with panoramic views.
    • 13:00 – Lunch at hot spring resort café.
    • 15:00 – Return to Xichang (~1.5 hours), stop at Qionghai Ecological Museum if time permits.

Accommodation/Food: Stay at hot spring resort for Day 3 or return to Xichang. Cuisine includes wild mushroom soup, herbal chicken, and local fruits.

Souvenirs: Loess hot spring skincare products, herbal bath sachets, Yi teas.


4‑Day Itinerary: Cultural Immersion in Yi Villages

Go deeper into local life with village visits, cultural exchange, and folk storytelling around the Lover Tree legend.

  • Days 1–3: Follow above itinerary.
  • Day 4:
    • 08:00 – Travel to Ninglang Yi Village or similar community near Qionghai (~45 min drive).
    • 10:00 – Participate in traditional crafts (dyeing, weaving, cooking).
    • 13:00 – Village lunch with locally sourced ingredients.
    • 15:00 – Enjoy folk songs and local love stories linked to Lover Tree mythology.

Accommodation/Food: Village guesthouses or return to city. Sample millet wine, grilled river fish, mountain greens.

Souvenirs: Indigo-dyed scarves, love-themed wood carvings, silver earrings made by local artisans.


5‑Day Itinerary: Exploring Space, Stars & Love

Combine romance with science by visiting China’s spaceport nearby.

  • Days 1–4: As above.
  • Day 5:
    • 09:00 – Visit Xichang Satellite Launch Center Museum (~1 hour drive, appointment required).
    • 11:00 – Tour exhibits on satellites, rockets, and China's lunar programs.
    • 14:00 – Visit Lover Tree again for sunset photos – love meets the stars!

Accommodation/Food: Return to Xichang. Eat at local BBQ restaurant or café with stargazing rooftop terrace.

Souvenirs: Space-themed souvenirs, keychains, Yi pattern notebooks, romantic lake ornaments.


6‑Day Itinerary: Nature & Yi Torch Festival

If visiting in July–August, time your trip to join Liangshan’s biggest cultural event: the Torch Festival.

  • Days 1–5: Follow previous days.
  • Day 6:
    • 10:00 – Join Torch Festival activities in nearby Yi villages or Xichang stadium (dates vary).
    • 14:00 – Watch dances, horse races, fire shows; join communal Yi dinners.
    • 19:00 – Torch parade and nighttime fire rituals.

Accommodation/Food: Reserve early – stay near festival grounds. Local grilled meats, torch cake, roasted corn, millet porridge.

Souvenirs: Torch Festival dolls, fire pattern accessories, dance costume miniatures.


7‑Day Itinerary: Liangshan Slow Life & Reflection

Unwind with slow travel – lakeside reading, photography, tea tasting, and spiritual reflection by the Lover Tree.

  • Days 1–6: Follow full itinerary.
  • Day 7:
    • 10:00 – Enjoy morning tea at lakeside tea house near Lover Tree.
    • 12:00 – Journaling/painting by the lake.
    • 15:00 – Shop local market for final souvenirs.
    • 17:00 – Depart from Xichang Airport/Train Station.

Accommodation/Food: Final night in a romantic boutique resort. Enjoy farewell Yi fusion meal.

Souvenirs: Artisan teas, hand-bound sketchbooks, Lover Tree pendants, framed lakeside photography.


User Reviews

By Potter_Yang |

It is a landmark on the inner side of Liwubi Island, facing another one on the opposite peninsula in Sichuan.

By Zhang Hang |

Such a picturesque scene, the success rate of confession here is definitely very high

By mei |

Lover trees, growing in pairs beside Lugu Lake, are like close friends, inseparable and so are called Lover Trees by the locals. It is quite peaceful as there are not many tourists.

By Guanchong❁҉҉҉҉҉҉҉҉҉ |

The Lover's Trees are located on the Lover's Beach in front of Xiaoyu Dam. They're not too far from each other, so people here call them Lover's Trees. There are many of these trees around Lugu Lake, so they're all called Lover's Trees. They're beautiful and perfect for taking photos. The water beneath them is crystal clear, so our local photographer guides often bring guests here to shoot! Admission is free and included in the Lugu Lake Scenic Area ticket!

By Big Hae Walking |

I searched everywhere but couldn't find the two love trees. I found a few that looked like them on the shore, but they didn't look like them at all.

By Orange Deer |

The master dropped us off at the entrance, told us how to get there, and then he waited for us on the other side.

Following the stairs, the road leads all the way to Nice Village. It is a beautiful path that passes through the trees. Suddenly, the view opens up to the back of Nice Village, where the Goddess Mountain is. The cable car is right there. Today the weather is bad, and we are afraid that we will not have enough time, so we pass by first.

By Xue Ruoli |

There are too many children who use the excuse of not having money to go to school to sell low-quality fruits at high prices.

By swallow |

2017-4-9

While hiking by the lake near Nise Village, I saw two trees, one tall and one short, standing side by side. Upon asking, I realized they were the legendary Lover's Trees! I often went back and forth to enjoy the coolness under them!

By Aizi |

Lugu Lake's most famous legend is the "Lover's Tree." These two trees, nestled near the lake in Nisai Village, have grown in pairs, like a loving couple, earning them the nickname "Lover's Tree" from the locals. Rige Peninsula is a half-hour walk away.

By Mo Xiaoli |

This is the scenery you will definitely see on the Lugu Lake Ring Road. It is particularly great.

By Michelle |

On the edge of Lugu Lake, a big and a small couple stand by the lake like a pair of lovers, which is very vivid.

By style |

The most famous legend surrounding Lugu Lake is the "Lover's Tree." These two trees, nestled near the lake in Nise Village, are simply the "Lover's Tree." Nothing special about them.

By Clare |

It has always been said that beside Lugu Lake, all the trees growing are pairs of love trees.

They grow up in pairs beside Lugu Lake, like close partners, inseparable.

I have also heard that there is a beautiful legend that happened by the Lugu Lake.

There was a girl who waited here for 10 years.

A boy left this place and never came back.

Every day, when the sun rose, the girl would sit by the Lugu Lake and wait, her bright eyes twinkling, with endless expectations, eagerly anticipating his return.

There has been no news of that boy since then.

Girls who are past the marriageable age still hope for the best and ignore all the rumors.

Regardless of the rumors that the boy has married and had children in a foreign land, or the rumors that he has died in a foreign land.

She still did not change her original intention and sat by the lake every day waiting.

Every day she waited, she tied a knot in the long rope.

Every day the girl would count the knots on the rope before tying them.

10, 100, 1000, 2000, 3000...

If the rope is not long enough, just add another piece of rope, and then add another piece at a time...

A full ten years passed, and the girl's rope was connected with one section after another and tied with dense knots.

There was still no news from the boy.

That day, the girl did not appear at the lake.

Since then, the girl has never appeared at the lake again.

But everyone who walks by there remembers a girl who sat there for 10 years just waiting for her lover.

10 years ago, before the boy left, he told the girl that if he hadn't come back in 10 years, he must be dead and she shouldn't wait any longer.

Ten years later, the girl was convinced that the boy was really gone.

No need to wait anymore.

The knotted rope circled the lake and buried a long loop.

On the lakeside loop where the rope was buried, a lover's tree grew.

They are called lover trees because there are always two trees growing together, leaning against each other.

By Lavender |

Near Nisai Village in Lugu Lake, two small trees leaning against each other look like a pair of lovers.

By Peng & Mai |

The so-called Lover's Tree gets its name from the fact that it grows on Lover's Beach. On this lake beach, green willows shade the area, and all the weeping willows have two branches, hence the name. Of course, there are certainly three-branched or single-branched ones. This kind of poetic and picturesque scenery is of course something to imagine, but the scenery is still worth seeing. If couples come here, taking a photo together is indispensable.

When we came down to play, we stayed for half an hour just to take pictures. A woman posed with three SLR cameras waiting just for a perfect photo. It was really~ The boat by the lake is also worth taking pictures. The driver and the boatman said that it didn't cost any money~

By Follow me everywhere |

The Lovers' Trees are located in Nisai Village, Lugu Lake, Ninglang County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. These two ordinary trees by Lugu Lake have become extraordinary thanks to the beautiful symbolism they have been given. They are one of the iconic sights of Lugu Lake.

By A gray rabbit 🐰 |

What is this? I forgot the allusion and didn't see what it was.

By Peach Fairy |

The scenery was very ordinary, probably because of the bad weather. I saw other people's travel notes showing the love trees in winter were all golden, but I only saw a bleak scene.

By Apple Mushroom Soup |

The Lover's Tree is in Nice. When we went there, the whole place was under renovation and the road was not easy to find. However, the scenery was quite nice and there was a signpost.

By Lazy Stone |

We chartered a car and drove around the lake. The driver didn't let us get off to take pictures, so since we weren't very familiar with the area, we just took a picture from a distance.

By oo0尐掱拉汏掱oО |

There are two trees nestled by the lake, and the scenery beside them is very beautiful.

By WANG |

The Lover's Tree is just two trees, but they look very beautiful in Lugu Lake.

By Stranded Porridge |

The lover tree is so beautiful, snuggling together, it is the best love, right?

By Feeling |

The scenery of Lugu Lake is different throughout the year. I went there during the Spring Festival. The grass by the lake was golden, there was no snow on the mountain, the water was blue, the sunlight was very strong, the temperature difference was very large, the scenery was very good and it was worth a visit.

By The child's original intention |

This photo was taken casually while riding a bike, but I didn't expect it to have such a unique flavor.

By Grimm's Fairy Tales |

It's really beautiful. Very nice scenery. Worth a visit.

By brave dandan |

The hotel I stayed in was right outside the Lover's Tree...that's the tree in the distance.

By Lugu Lake Maple |

Lugu Lake and the sea and sky are both beautiful and indescribable.

By Luoer |

Lugu Lake is a place full of love and romance. Legend has it that the trees by the lake grow in pairs, leaning against each other.

On the way around the lake, you'll pass a curb where drivers can stop and look. Looking down, you can see pairs of love trees reflected in the lake. Combined with the wooden pavilion and the islands in the distance, the scenery truly embodies people's yearning for love. When we visited, the rain had just stopped, and the overcast, damp air evoked a uniquely poignant beauty.

Couples who come to Lugu Lake must go to see the Love Tree, where they may understand the true meaning of love.

By Meng Meng, it's me |

You can only tell it is a lover's tree from a distance, otherwise it is difficult to distinguish it.

By DESTINY |

There are two trees by the lake in Nisai Village. They are leaning against each other and look like a couple. The story is too long, so I will skip it...

By Pineapple |

Personally, I think it’s best to go in winter or spring to photograph the reflections at the Lover’s Tree, when the tree has no leaves and the pond has no phytoplankton.

By Fei Chi |

I've heard the legend of the Lover's Tree. Standing by the road, looking at the two "lovers," one tall and one short, snuggling together, I couldn't help but sigh at the beauty of love. The driver told me that the woman's tree wasn't short at all, but because it blocked the view of the lake from the inn behind, they cut down a section of the tree. People nowadays really disregard everything for commercial interests.

By Li Anmi |

I like every place in Lugu Lake. My cousin and I stayed there for a week, riding bikes, rowing boats, and taking photos every day. It is the only tourist attraction I have been to and I still want to visit.

By My travel book |

I didn't go down to take pictures, it should be nice if I get closer, and it's good to take pictures from a distance.

By Smiling Yaoyao |

I like the simplicity of the people of Lugu Lake and this pristine natural scenery that has not been overdeveloped!

By peaceearth |

The Lover's Tree is only to be admired from afar, not touched. You have to walk along the ring road, not directly up to the tree itself. I remember that day, the sun was shining brightly, the sky was a brilliant blue, and the two trees, one on each side, stood by Lugu Lake, forever expressing their love. It would be wonderful if I could go there with my lover someday. :)

By Nico Xiaoyi |

The Lover's Tree is located in Nice Village, right by Lugu Lake. The two trees are connected, one high and one low, just like a couple, as if saying "I wish to be a pair of wings in the sky, and a pair of branches on the ground." I heard that it looks even more beautiful when the leaves turn yellow in autumn. Because we went there during the Spring Festival, we could only see the outline of the branches. However, no matter how time changes, they always stand quietly in pairs by the lake, waiting not for the return of their loved ones, not for hope, but for the belief of eternal dependence. It is still very artistic!

By Righteousness and purity |

Under the sunshine, by the lake, only you and I are together!

By shlxf |

Lover's trees are located next to Lugu Lake. All the trees growing there are in pairs. Growing in pairs beside Lugu Lake, they are like close partners, inseparable and inseparable. Locals call them Lover's trees.

By small shells |

A visit to Lugu Lake is a must-see. Since it carries such a beautiful symbolic meaning, it's worth admiring. It perfectly complements the tranquility of Lugu Lake, like a pair of lovers enjoying the beautiful scenery by the lake. Watching the sunrise here in the morning is even better.

By Luna |

I've heard that every tree growing near Lugu Lake is a pair of lover trees. They grow in pairs beside the lake, like close friends, inseparable. My advice: don't expect too much!

By Bobo |

Watching these two love trees together from a distance

By Jun Jun Jun |

On the hillside of Boao Peninsula, there are two green pines that suddenly bend left and right when they are halfway grown. The two trees are connected and intertwined, forming an archway, forming a wonder of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The two trees in the middle are called Lovers Trees.

By Calm Night |

Another iconic attraction at Lugu Lake, it attracts many visitors, both men and women, simply because of its name. There are so many trees, though... I don't think I've reached the pair of trees that are the main attraction.

2012.07 /2022.08 /2022.09

By Brave Child |

Beside Lugu Lake, all the trees growing there are pairs of love trees.

By Steamed bread |

The two trees were given a beautiful name, but now one of the lover trees has died, and only the bare trunk accompanies its partner.

By CC666 |

The Lover's Tree should have been a beautiful sight, but the construction around it has damaged the environment.

By 🐶Small plaster |

Lover's tree, the one in the distance ~ It is said that there is a pair of sister trees ~

By Love Monchhichi |

The Lover's Tree was viewed from a distance on the road around the lake. It was a pity that I couldn't get close to it because it was a bit far away, but it was still beautiful from a distance!

By Shuo Shuo's USB flash drive |

The two lover trees are very famous. From the roadside in the distance, you can see the two trees leaning against each other.

By ADRIAN |

The most famous thing about Nisai Village is the two lover trees. The inn in Nisai Village is also adjacent to them, allowing you to feel the romance all the time.

The legendary Lover's Tree, behind which there is an inn built specifically for this view

By Ning Xin |

The Lover's Tree is a must-see attraction on Lugu Lake promotional photos. However, since the season isn't quite right yet, the trees and grass haven't grown yet. It feels barren and desolate.

By Mia |

I didn't go close, I just looked at it from a distance, the scenery is beautiful

By Continuous exploration |

The couple tree beside Lugu Lake has many meanings.

By Always plus one |

There are two pairs of trees, one tall and one short, leaning against each other by the lake. It is impossible to get close to them by driving around the lake, so you can only take a panoramic photo from a distance. If you ride a bicycle, you can ride to the lakeside and watch it up close, but you will miss the beauty of the panoramic view. It is better to be content.

By ⺌灬维〆mル |

The Lover's Tree is one of the symbols of Lugu Lake. The two trees grow together and many couples want to go there, but it is useless. They will still separate if they want to separate.

By Lou is Vvvv |

The lake in front of the Lover's Tree is super beautiful, but it's a pity that it can only be viewed from a distance and not touched. I really want to walk down and take pictures. I want to see the Lover's Tree up close. You can come and see the past and present of the Lover's Tree.

By Bliss |

The Lover's Tree is at Lover's Beach. There are two trees growing together. Locals call them Lover's Trees. What's interesting is that there is another tree growing on the side, which is called Bachelor's Tree. It's naked abuse, but it's all legend. They are not very big, but still quite lush. They grow in such a beautiful place, quietly guarding Lugu Lake. They should all feel very lucky. They lean their bodies towards Lugu Lake, perhaps wanting to see their beautiful reflections in the lake, haha.

By Little Yingying sees the world |

We just passed by here when we were walking, and the Lover's Tree was not as beautiful as we expected.

By Taro Wine Shreds |

In the backyard of Nice Manor is one of Lugu Lake's attractions: the Lover's Tree. Due to the plateau climate, the leaves here haven't fully sprouted yet. Locals say that by October, the leaves of the two trees will be tightly intertwined, resembling a couple cuddling together.

By terryterry |

Actually, they are just two trees, and to be honest, there is nothing good about them. They are just called lovers because they grow close to each other.

By Susie the Swallow |

When passing by here, I couldn't go down, I could only look at it from a distance. The Lover's Tree is like two lovers who depend on each other, staying here. If it is autumn and the leaves are yellow, it should be more beautiful.

By Castle in the Sky |

The azure sky and the clear blue waters of the lake seem to be tightly linked together... like two trees, like lovers, standing side by side, watching over each other...

By Are they there? |

Look at them both

It feels like watching the sunset

Support each other

Walk through life hand in hand

By Steamed buns |

There are only two trees on the lakeside, and the sunset, the lake and the trees blend into one.

By Are you hungry? I'll make you a bowl of sugar water. |

Beside Lugu Lake, all the trees grow in pairs, like close friends, inseparable. The Lover's Tree I saw this time was different from the one I had seen in magazines many years ago. It was said to have been struck by lightning.

By Jully |

Next is the Lover's Tree in Nise. I heard that this tree is very famous. When it is mentioned, many people know it. The Lover's Tree is located by the lake in Nise Village, about 5 kilometers away from Rig.

By Shirley Xiner |

This tree on the shore, though only with dry branches, is just right! It adds a lot to the picture...

By ZY_FC |

These two trees are definitely one of the iconic landscapes of Lugu Lake. Some people say that all the trees growing beside Lugu Lake are pairs of lover trees.

But now the big tree on the right was unfortunately hit by the thunderstorm some time ago and has become bare.

By Big Cow |

It was not as romantic as we thought. We searched for a long time before we found it. Overall, it was average and a bit disappointing.

By Photographed by Xiao Chen |

The scenery of the Lover's Tree now is no longer the same as what everyone saw in the most beautiful promotional photos. It is still a construction site. There are stones piled under the tree. I don’t know what it will be transformed into. I took the photo on the wooden plank road in the picture. There are only a few flowers and plants in the picture. The surrounding area is also covered with turned-up red soil, which is also waiting to be transformed.

By February Yaya 0201 |

The 'lover trees' leaning against each other appear particularly affectionate and romantic against the backdrop of the poignant love legend and the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains.

By Sunset |

The Lover's Tree is famous because of its name. It is actually two big trees growing by the lake. Many couples come here to take photos.

By Xiaojie Mi Li |

Lover's tree, but as shown in the picture, one of the trees is bare, perhaps it has experienced the baptism of time.


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