Goddess Bay

Introducing Goddess Bay

Located on the west shore of Lugu Lake, Goddess Bay is a quiet little harbor, said to be one of the most beautiful spots to admire the lake. It gets its name from the fact that it faces Mount Gemu, the Goddess Mountain. The best time to visit Goddess Bay is in the evening, when the sun sets and the crimson sunset glows, bathing the entire lake in a warm hue—perfect for capturing stunning photos.

Locals call Goddess Bay Zhaojia Bay, also known as Niaojue Lake Bay. A bay of azure water, a tranquil jungle, and rugged rocks create Niaojue Lake Bay's unique character. A rocky beach in the bay, covered with countless exquisite golden slabs with picturesque textures, rivals the beauty of Nanjing's "Yuhua Stone" and is a unique feature of Lugu Lake.

Climate and best time to travel

March to October is a good season to travel to Lugu Lake, but please note that July to September is the rainy season of Lugu Lake, so please pay attention to safety.

Tickets

Included in the Lugu Lake Scenic Area ticket

Attraction opening hours

08:00-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Goddess Bay

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Goddess Bay is one of the scenic bays on Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) on the Sichuan side (Yanyuan County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture). It is closely associated with local Mosuo culture (the “Kingdom of Daughters / matriarchal culture” around Lugu Lake). As a scenic lakeshore spot, it serves as a photography and relaxation point, and a place for cultural immersion (local life, boat rides, pavilion worship) rather than a site with deep historical structures itself.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Goddess Bay is located on Lugu Lake, in Luguhu Town, Yanyuan County, Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Getting there typically involves traveling to Lugu Lake by road (from Lijiang side, or via Xichang side depending on your route). Once at Lugu Lake, local transport (boat, walking) along lake shores is used.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The scenic area is open all day (no fixed closed hours) as it is a natural lakeside attraction. The best times are late afternoon / after 4 pm for light & shadows, and sunset for dramatic reflections. Also early morning can be beautiful (calm waters).

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

According to Trip.com, there is a “Lugu Lake Goddess Bay Scenic Area” which may charge an entry fee. But I did not find a reliable current price. Tickets are likely purchased on-site (offline) through the local scenic area management or via boat operators.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Because it is not a high-volume commercial attraction, advance booking is usually not strictly necessary. But if you plan to stay overnight or visit during peak season, booking guesthouses and possibly boat rides ahead is wise.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To walk around the bay, take boat rides, enjoy pavilion views, and linger for photography, 30 to 60 minutes may suffice for a quick visit. If combining with surrounding lakeside areas, boat trips, and staying for sunset, plan for 2–3 hours or more.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The hillside pavilion overlooking the bay (worship pavilion) The lakeshore views, reflections, huts/guesthouses along edge The “Sacrificial Platform” viewpoint (a less crowded spot) mentioned in travel guides for good vistas.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

I did not find specific mention of formal audio guides. Many visitors join local guided tours that cover Lugu Lake and various points including Goddess Bay, with English/Chinese guides.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

From the hillside pavilion looking down over the bay; Along the lakeshore reflecting in the calm water; During sunset when the light casts warm hues on the water and sky; The “Sacrificial Platform” viewpoint for less crowded vistas.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Arrive at the shoreline, walk along the lakeside edge; Head up to the pavilion for panoramic view; Return to the shore for reflection shots; Optionally take a boat ride around the bay; Pause near the Sacrificial Platform viewpoint if available.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There is no evidence of formal light shows. Staying overnight enables stargazing by the lake in a dark sky environment. Some local tours might include evening ambiance or cultural storytelling.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

It is generally quieter compared to major tourist sites, especially in non-peak periods. The least crowded times are weekdays, and early or late in the day. After 4 pm light is more favorable and crowds tend to thin.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities are available: guesthouses offering meals, small shops, rest areas. Probably toilets and drinking water at scenic area entrances or guesthouses.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Access is relatively gentle along lakeshore paths, but uphill walk to pavilion might be steep. For those with limited mobility, staying along flat shoreline parts is more feasible; climbing to higher vantage points may be challenging.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In rural scenic areas like this, cash is safer and more reliably accepted. Some guesthouses or shops may accept mobile payments (WeChat/Alipay) depending on connectivity.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Guesthouses along the lakeshore provide home-style meals (Mosuo / local cuisine). No formal cafés are widely noted; simple lakeside snack shops may exist.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Local cuisine is likely to include meat; vegetarian dishes (vegetables, tofu) may be possible upon request. Halal food is unlikely in this area unless in larger towns or specially arranged.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are guesthouses and inns right on the lake shore in Goddess Bay region. Many tourists stay in villages around Lugu Lake (e.g. Lige Peninsula, Daloushui) and travel to Goddess Bay by foot or boat.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Walking Marriage Bridge (on Lugu Lake) Caohai Wetlands (grass sea) Lige Peninsula viewpoint and scenic walks Gemu Goddess Mountain (for hiking / cable car) on the Lugu side

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Small guesthouse shops may sell local ethnic crafts, textiles, jewelry, Mosuo silverware, local snacks. Dried fruit, local teas, handwoven items are common souvenirs in the Lugu Lake region.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Return by boat or lakeside paths to the main access roads; then by car or minibus toward your next destination (e.g. back to Lijiang side or Xichang side). Combine with travel around Lugu Lake, moving toward neighboring towns or cross-lake transfer.