Lugu Lake Overview
1. Basic Information
● Chinese Name: 泸沽湖
● Keywords: Female's Kingdom, Home of Matriarchal Tribe
● Area: 50.3 square kilometers
● Altitude: 2685 meters
● Population: 13000
● Zip code: 674399
● Dialing code: (+86) 0888
2. Location
Located 200 kilometers away from Lijiang, Lugu Lake stands in the North West Yunnan plateau in the centre of Ningliang Yi Autonomous County in the People's Republic of China. The middle of the lake forms the border between the Ninglang County of Yunnan Province and the Yanyuan County of Sichuan province.
3. Administrative Division
Surrounded by green mountains and covered with winding shore and bay, Lugu Lake is composed of five scenic area including Mosuo villages, Yongning, Axia Quiet Valley, Mountain of the goddess and Small Luoshui village. In total, there are 17 beaches, 14 bays, 5 islands, 3 peninsulas, 1 Continent Island and 18 villages. Among them, Xiwae island, Liwubi island and Lige island are the most beautiful islands in the lake, which is known as "the three Penglai islands".
4. Climate
Lugu Lake and its surroundings belong to Plateau Monsoon Climate. The annual average temperature is 17℃ and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. The temperature is 15-25℃ in summer and 3-18℃ in winter, so not hot in summer and not cold in winter. Actually, according the high elevation and uneven land from south to north and complex mountain zones, Lugu Lake areas have three different climatic zones: subtropical zone in the southeast, warm zone in the center and cold zone in the northwest. In addition, the characteristics of vertical climate in some plateaus also be seen in Lugu Lake areas.
5. People
Lugu Lake's shores are inhabited by many minority ethnic groups, such as the Mosuo, Norzu, Yi, Pumi and Tibetan. The most numerous of these are the Mosuo people.
6. Best Time to Visit
The months from March to October is the best time to visit Lugu Lake. Summer the rainy season is not recommended because of the slippery road.
7. Features
● Stunning Idyllic Scenery
Dotted with islets and surrounded by high mountains, Lugu Lake is an idyllic beauty spot not yet overrun by tourists. The water is clear and clean and the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful. You can just relax and slow down here.
● Mosuo Culture
Lugu is called the "mother lake" by the local Mosuo people, who comprise what is sometimes described as the last matriarchal society in the world. The Mosuo people have been living relatively isolated lives around the lake for generations, and have retained their ancient traditions and customs.
8. Things to Do
● Bonfire Party
The bonfire party usually begins at 20:00 at night at Little Luoshui Village and lasts for 1~1.5 hours. Travelers can enjoy the sing and dance performed by Mosuo people. And also, join the dance and sing happily till the party ends.
● Mosuo Family Visit
Paying a home visit to Mosuo Family is the best way to learn local folk culture and enjoy the tranquil rurality.
● Zhucao Boat
Zhucao boat is a kind of strange shape canoe, the traditional means of transportation of Mosuo people, especially as the helper of Axia walking marriages.
9. Culture
Lugu Lake is called the "mother lake" by the Mosuo people. The lake is also well known in Chinese travel pamphlets as the region of “Amazons,” “The Kingdom of Women” and “Home of the Matriarchal Tribe”, this last name highlighting the dominant role of the Mosuo women in their society. The marriage rites of the Mosuo people are known as “azhu marriage” ceremony and this unique aspect of their social culture has given the title “exotic land of daughters” to the area. It is also known as "A Quaint Realm of Matriarchy." The matriarchal and matrilinealsociety of the Mosuos is also termed the “Women’s World.
11. Economy
Historically, Mosuo people mainly lived on fishing and farming. With the development of tourism, their income has increased markedly.
12. Dining and Accommodation
In the Lugu Lake tourist area, there are more than 400 hotels and rooms ranging from inns and guesthouses to five-star hotels. As for the dining, there are also a multitude of choices.
