Discover the Magic of Lugu Lake ( 泸沽湖 )with OCT Orient China Travel Company
Dec 11, 2024
by orient china travel
一、Lugu Lake Overview
Lugu Lake lies on the border between Yunnan Province and Sichuan Province. It is a beautiful plateau freshwater lake. With its unique shape and constantly changing vistas throughout the day, it is like a pearl shining among the hills.
Lugu Lake is located 200 kilometers (approximately 124 miles) from the center of Lijiang City, on the border between Ninglang County in Yunnan Province and Yanyuan County in Sichuan Province. The lake is in the shape of a horse’s hoof - long from north to south, and narrower from east to west. The vista of the lake changes constantly throughout the day. In the morning, the mist mixed with the light of the rising sun gives the lake an orange glow covered by mist. When the sun shines, the hills cast their shadows onto the water, making the lake have a jade green color. In the evening, when the sun sinks, the lake is calm and dark green. At night, it is peaceful with gentle wind blowing and water rippling.
On the lake, there are five islands of different sizes, like green boats floating on the water. Heiwawu Island, Liwubi Island, and Lige Island are the most notable. Heiwawu Island is in the center of the lake and has a variety of birds living on it. The smallest island on the lake is Nixi Island - an oblong rock covered with shrubs and moss. Besides the five islands, there are also three peninsulas and an island which is linked to a seawall on the shore by a path paved with small stones.
Mystery and charm surround the lake. Partly because it was once an unspoiled place and still retains much of its totally natural beauty. Mostly because the Mosuo people who live there form a matriarchal society. There is no marriage. Men stay in the women’s home as mates called ’Axia’ and the intimate relationship lasts as long as they like. Children are brought up by women and use the surname of their mothers. Families are composed of the members of the matrilineal kin. Women operate production and management and hold the principal position in the society, forming a modern day ’woman’s kingdom’, which adds mystique to this place.
The lake is encircled with hills. The water is clean and inviting, with fish swimming in it. The forest around is dense and the air is fresh. This is a place that is little tainted by modern industry - the natural beauty is retained. The weather is pleasant - it is cool in summer and warm in winter. All the seasons are as comfortable as spring, but the best seasons to come here are spring and summer when the hills are emerald green, the flowers are in bloom and the birds are singing happily.
As a national key scenic spot, Lugu Lake attracts many tourists. OCT Orient China Travel Company also offers various tourism services here, allowing tourists to better experience the beauty of Lugu Lake.
二、Natural Beauty
The lake is encircled with hills. The undulating hills provide a beautiful backdrop to Lugu Lake. Standing on the shores of the lake and looking out, one can see the hills covered with lush vegetation. In spring and summer, these hills are a vibrant emerald green, adding to the charm of the landscape.
The water in Lugu Lake is clean and inviting, with fish swimming freely. The clarity of the water allows one to see the fish darting about, creating a mesmerizing sight. The forest around the lake is dense, filled with a variety of trees that contribute to the fresh air. The combination of the hills, clean water, and dense forest makes Lugu Lake a haven of natural beauty.
The best seasons to visit are spring and summer. During these times, the hills are at their most beautiful, with flowers in bloom adding splashes of color. The air is filled with the happy songs of birds, creating a harmonious symphony. It is a time when nature is at its most vibrant and inviting, making Lugu Lake a must-visit destination for nature lovers and tourists alike.
三、Islands and Peninsulas
There are five islands of different sizes on the lake, like green boats floating on the water. Heiwawu Island, Liwubi Island, and Lige Island are notable. Heiwawu Island is in the center of the lake and has a variety of birds living on it. The smallest island is Nixi Island, which is an oblong rock covered with shrubs and moss.
Besides, there are also three peninsulas and an island linked to a seawall by a path. The combination of the islands and peninsulas adds to the unique charm of Lugu Lake. According to the information from various sources, "island" is an English word that means a piece of land surrounded by water. The different islands on Lugu Lake offer diverse landscapes and experiences for visitors. For example, Heiwawu Island is a haven for birds, while Nixi Island is a small but charming rock covered with vegetation.
The peninsulas also contribute to the beauty of the lake. They provide different vantage points for viewing the lake and the surrounding mountains. The path that links the island to the seawall allows tourists to explore and enjoy the natural beauty up close.
As a popular tourist destination, Lugu Lake attracts many visitors with its unique islands and peninsulas. OCT Orient China Travel Company offers various tourism services here, making it easier for tourists to explore and appreciate the beauty of this magnificent place.
四、Mosuo People and Their Culture
The Mosuo people live along the lake and form a matriarchal society. Their unique marriage custom of "Axia Zouhun" and the way children are brought up add mystique to this place.
The Mosuo culture is centered around women. In this matriarchal society, women hold the power and make all important decisions. They control the family's resources and pass their surnames onto their children. Mosuo children, known as "mosuo children", are brought up by women and inherit their mothers' surnames. For example, rather than marry in the traditional sense, a Mosuo woman may take many lovers throughout her life. The resulting children will always live with her. While the Mosou language has a word for "mother", there is no word for "father", and Mosuo children refer to all older men as "uncle". This unique family structure and child-rearing method make the Mosuo culture distinct.
The marriage custom of the Mosuo people, "Axia Zouhun", is also a fascinating aspect of their culture. Men stay in the women's home as mates called "Axia", and the intimate relationship lasts as long as they like. There is no traditional marriage in the sense that we commonly understand. This custom reflects the unique values and lifestyle of the Mosuo people.
The Mosuo society is a living example of a matriarchal society. In such a society, women operate production and management and hold the principal position. It is like a modern-day "woman's kingdom". The finds from these burial grounds point to the existence of a prosperous matriarchal society. The Mosuo society in China is both matriarchal and matrilineal, and marriage in the traditional sense does not exist. Although the Gelede has nowadays adapted to a more patriarchal society, the oral heritage and dances can be considered as a testimony of the former matriarchal order.
The Mosuo people and their culture add a unique charm to Lugu Lake. Tourists who visit Lugu Lake can not only enjoy the natural beauty of the lake but also experience the rich and unique culture of the Mosuo people. OCT Orient China Travel Company offers various tourism services that allow tourists to better understand and appreciate the Mosuo culture.
五、OCT Orient China Travel Company's Offerings
OCT Orient China Travel Company plays a crucial role in providing tourists with a seamless travel experience to Lugu Lake. The company offers a wide range of services and packages to meet the diverse needs of travelers.
Their packages include carefully curated itineraries that take tourists to the most scenic spots around Lugu Lake. Whether it's a leisurely boat ride on the lake to explore the beautiful islands and peninsulas, or a visit to the surrounding hills to enjoy the natural beauty and fresh air, OCT Orient China Travel Company has it all covered.
The company also arranges for cultural experiences, allowing tourists to learn about the unique culture of the Mosuo people. From visits to traditional Mosuo villages to witnessing their traditional dances and ceremonies, tourists can get a deep understanding of this matriarchal society.
In addition, OCT Orient China Travel Company provides excellent accommodation options, ranging from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses. They also take care of transportation, ensuring that tourists can travel comfortably and safely.