Lugu Lake

The Lugu Lake is 72 kilometers from Ninglang County in Yunnan Province. It is like a shining gem embedded in the mountains of the northwestern Yunnan Plateau. In the Mosuo language of Naxi nationality, “Lu” means “a gully” and “Gu” means “inside”. These two words mean “a lake in a gully” when put together. The green waves-rippling Lugu Lake is so beautiful that has been affectionately called “a pearl of the plateau” and “pure land of northwestern Yunnan” etc. Primitive and simple folkway, spectacular scenery and fascinating legends have added some mysterious appeal to the area.

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. 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. 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.

The age-old Naxi nationality lives by the Lugu Lake. Their gorgeous dresses, elegant songs and pictographic characters are some of the typical signs of Dongba culture that still remains today. The Mosuo people by the Lugu Lake still follow the so called “Azhu” marriage system (a traditional marriage system based on matriarchal families) and share some characteristics in building a family through matriarchal lines.