Lugu Lake Travel Guide

Lugu Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in China and the biggest lake in Sichuan. It is famous for its amazing lake views and exotic ethnic traditions. It locates by the bordering area with Yunnan Province. Traditional people living around the lake are mainly an ethnic group called Mosuo, which is one of the most unique groups in China due to their matriarchy system. Among their traditions they have, the most interesting one is called “Walking Marriage”. Lugu Lake has a mixing culture of Mosuo, Tibetans and Mongolians. Every year lots of visitors come year despite the long distance they have to drive.

How to Get There

There are two ways to travel to Lugu Lake. One is from Sichuan Province, which one usually starts from Xichang by one day’s drive by car. The other one which is a more popular way is from Lijiang, an old town in Yunnan Province, also taking one full day’s drive to arrive at Lugu Lake. By the year of 2015, it is still not easy to travel to Lugu Lake due to its remoteness. However there is an airport under construction currently. It is estimated to be completed some time later this year in 2015.

What to do at Lugu Lake

Biking around Lugu Lake

Normally 2 nights are necessary to have a pleasant stay at Lugu Lake. It is fairly a big lake. The distance around the lake is about 50km. If you are an active traveler, consider to rent a bike from one of the bike renters at the guesthouses and local hotels. Most bikers couldn’t do a circulation by the lake but if you start early in the morning, you can do a full circle by biking in one day with many visits to local Mosuo villages.

Boating on Lugu Lake

By the lake there are boatmen offering boat tour on the lake. It is a great experience to use the colorful boat to do a little boating on the lake. It offers good opportunities to view the mountains and houses around the lake.

Walk Lugu Lake

Walking is another option especially when you stay by the northern side because there are many local Mosuo villages close by. It is a great way to learn local culture.

Rent a car at Lugu Lake

The attractions at Lugu Lake are scattered by different places by the lake. And distance between these sites is very far away from one another. By renting a car, you can also go to the local town called Yongning, a great place to purchase some local tea and other authentic products.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Lugu Lake is spring and summer from March to August. Spring is the time when the lake marshes turn into green and summer is the blooming season of the flowers. The climate at Lugu Lake is pleasing with an average temperature at about 17C. The average temperature in spring is about 15C and in summer at about 20C, in fall at about 15 and in winter at about 5C. Winter is not very cold. Generally Lugu Lake has a very good climate but the temperature between day time and night time differs a lot as up to 20C. The raining season is from summer to fall although good weather day are possible even during these seasons. Usually the air is dry and the sun is strong.