Lugu Lake brief

Lugu Lake, a high mountain plateau lake with above altitude of 2685 meters, is located 202km northeast of Lijiang on the border of Yunan and Sichuan Provinces. The lake is 48.5 square kilometers in area and is quite deep, about 93.5 meter at its deepest point. The inhabitants around the lake are the Mosuo people, a matriarchal society.

Top attractions
Lugu Lake: Lugu Lake, in the shape of a horse's hoof, stretches long from north to south and narrow from east to west. It is surrounded by mountains and has five islands and many bays and beaches. The islands are different sizes and are like green boats floating on the water. Heiwawu Island, Liwubi Island, and Lige Island are 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. The water is clean and charming.
Mosuo People: To many people, the Mosuo Minority is one of the most fascinating minority groups in China. Although commonly described as a matriarchal culture, the truth is much more complicated (and interesting) than that, and really defies categorization in traditional models. In general, Mosuo women take a leading role in the family (owning property, making business decisions, etc.); and that women have more power/autonomy in many regards than in many other cultures. One of the most interesting – and famous – aspects of Mosuo culture is the practice of "walking marriages", a practice in which couples do not marry, but rather women can choose (and change) partners as they wish. 

Recommended tour
Lugu Lake is only connected by road transportation. From Lijiang to Lugu Lake, 220km rough road full of cobble stones will take about 7 hours, stay one overnight in Lugu Lake, and continue to sightseeing on the next day, then drive back to Lijiang. You also can stay 2 nights there to visit the local family and enjoy a bonfire party.
(SL-004) Kunming+Stone Forest-Zhongdian-Lijiang+Lugu Lake-Dali-Kunming (11 Days)
(ST-021) Kunming-Zhongdian-Trekking to Lugu Lake-Lijiang-Kunming (14 Days) Moderate Challenging
(YNT-004) Trekking in Lugu Lake Area (13 Days)
(YNT-003) Trekking from Lugu Lake to Yading Natural Reserve & Daocheng (19 Days)

Shopping & Entertainment
Shopping:
Lugu Lake area has many interesting and ethnic-characterized craftworks. There are also some special products, such as: roasted fish, pickled pear, white melon seeds, and so on.    
Entertainment:
Mosuo has its special culture, you could visit some local family, or have a cruise on the Lugu Lake. Enjoyiing a bonfire party in the evening is a good experience there.