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Lugu Lake, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau," lies between Yanyuan County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, and Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is an unspoiled virgin lake. Its graceful islands, each of varying shapes, are lushly forested, creating a picturesque scene of verdant greenery. Standing amidst the lake, the water and sky blend into one, crystal clear, mirror-like scene. The pig trough boats gliding gently across the azure waters and the Mosuo folk songs drifting gently between the water and sky add a touch of ancient simplicity and tranquility to the scenery.
This is also the legendary Kingdom of Daughters. The Mosuo people have lived by the Lugu Lake for generations. They still retain the matriarchal family with women as the head and female members passing on the family line, as well as the matriarchal marriage system of "men do not marry, women do not marry, union is voluntary, and separation is free."
March to October is the best season to travel to Lugu Lake
Rhododendrons from May to July, sunflowers from August to September, and cosmos from October to November.
July to September is the rainy season in Lugu Lake. You must be especially careful when you go there. The road conditions are poor at this time, and landslides, collapses, mud-rock flows and other conditions are often prone to occur, making driving difficult. Please pay attention to safety.
Yunnan entry: 100.00 yuan
Sichuan entry: 80.00 yuan
08:00~18:00
Lugu Lake is famous for its stunning natural beauty and as the homeland of the Mosuo people, known for their matriarchal society. It has cultural and ecological significance, with traditions, rituals, and folklore unique to the region.
Lugu Lake is located on the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. It is accessible by bus or private car from Lijiang or Ninglang. Within the lake area, walking and cycling are common to explore the villages and scenic spots.
The lake area is open daily. The best times to visit are from May to October, with mild weather and clear skies. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for photography.
Entrance fees are typically around 80–100 CNY per person. Tickets are usually purchased offline at the lake entrance or through local tour operators.
Advance booking is generally not necessary except during peak holiday periods or if joining a guided tour. A few days in advance is sufficient during busy times.
1–2 full days are recommended to explore the lake, nearby villages, and scenic viewpoints. Additional time may be needed for hiking or cultural immersion.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and sometimes English. Audio guides are limited and not widely provided.
Start with a boat tour to see the main islands, visit nearby Mosuo villages, hike a scenic trail for panoramic views, and end with sunset photography at the lakeshore.
Night visits are limited; some local lodges host cultural evening performances, but light shows are not typical.
The lake is moderately crowded during national holidays. Weekdays outside the main tourist season (May–October) are the least crowded times.
Basic facilities are available including public toilets, small restaurants, local food stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Carry water when visiting remote spots.
Main lakeshore paths and villages are moderately accessible. Hilly trails and boat rides may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children should be supervised near water.
Cash is commonly used. Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and some ticket points. Credit cards are less commonly used.
Local lakeside restaurants serve Mosuo cuisine, freshwater fish, yak meat, and Tibetan-style dishes. Small cafes and teahouses are available in villages like Lige and Luoshui.
Vegetarian options include vegetable stir-fries and barley-based dishes. Halal options may be limited but can be found in some towns. Vegan options are minimal.
Accommodations range from lakeside guesthouses and boutique hotels to homestays in Mosuo villages, offering cultural experiences and scenic views.
Souvenir shops sell Mosuo handicrafts, embroidered clothing, jewelry, prayer flags, and local snacks.
Travelers can take buses or private cars to Lijiang, Ninglang, or other nearby towns. Some lodges can arrange private transfers, and Lijiang Airport provides domestic flights for longer journeys.
