A 360-Degree Guide to Lugu Lake

📍Location: Lugu Lake straddles the border between Yanyuan County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province and Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. The lake sits at an altitude of 2,690 meters, covers an area of 58.8 square kilometers, and is the third deepest freshwater lake in China. 🚗Transportation: [One] Most tourists choose to visit Lugu Lake during their Yunnan trip. Direct buses are available from Lijiang Passenger Station (round trip: CNY 140) or you can purchase a connecting ticket to Ninglang and then transfer to a minivan (CNY 30). The final destination is Daluoshui Village. [Two] Driving from Lijiang takes about 4 hours. The roads are mostly winding mountain roads, requiring some driving experience. [Three] From Sichuan, there's a direct bus from Xichang Passenger Station to Lugu Lake Town every day at 8:00 am. The journey takes 7 hours and costs CNY 75. 👍️Must-See Attractions: 1. Aquatic "Watery Flower" Spectacle (June–September): White *Hydrilla verticillata* flowers float on the lake's surface like stars. The best viewing spot is along the route from Dazu Wharf to Princess Island. This is a summer-limited romantic experience. 2. Grass Sea and Walking Marriage Bridge: A wetland of interwoven yellow and green reeds spans the Sichuan-Yunnan border. The 300-meter wooden bridge is a symbol of the Mosuo walking marriage culture. In autumn and winter, the golden hues resemble an oil painting. 3. Panoramic View of Lige Peninsula: Climb the observation deck for a bird's-eye view of the heart-shaped bay. Colorful pig trough boats dot the lake's surface. At sunrise, the mist and clouds create a fairyland-like scene. 4. Gemu Goddess Mountain: Take the cable car (CNY 110) to the summit for panoramic views. Explore caves and experience the Zhuanshan Festival to learn about Mosuo beliefs. 5. Goddess Bay Sunset: Known as the "most beautiful dusk at Lugu Lake," the lake reflects the sunset glow, a must-see for photography enthusiasts. [100][100][100]Best time to visit: April–October, when the *Hydrilla verticillata* are in bloom and the Grass Sea turns golden in autumn. Recommended stay: 2–3 days. Day 1: Daluoshui Village → Lige Peninsula → Lover's Tree in Nise Village → Gemu Goddess Mountain → Goddess Bay Sunset. Day 2: Grass Sea Walking Marriage Bridge → Mosuo Museum → Pig Trough Boat Tour → Bonfire Party. 🎟️Tickets: CNY 100/person (valid for both Yunnan and Sichuan entrances). Free for children under 1.2 meters tall. Bonfire party: CNY 15. Cable car: CNY 110. 💗Other Tips: Every year on the 25th day of the seventh lunar month, the Mosuo people ride horses around the lake to worship Gemu Goddess Mountain. This is now an official holiday, where you can experience horse racing, singing, and dancing. Legend says a fairy transformed into the lake to protect the grasslands. The *Hydrilla verticillata* in the lake symbolize pure love, their roots reaching deep into the lakebed, swaying with the waves like a promise. 1. Respect Mosuo customs: Avoid casually discussing walking marriages. Female elders ("grandmothers") are the family authority. 2. High-altitude protection: Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential. Be prepared for large temperature differences between day and night. 3. Eco-friendly travel: Take your trash with you to avoid polluting the lake.