Lugu Lake



Lugu Lake is a high mountain plateau lake, 2685 meters above sea level, located 202 km northeast of Lijiang on the
border of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in China. It is a plateau lake with a total area of
52 square kilometers, 2685 meters above sea level. The water is very clear. The lake remains an uncontaminated plateau
lake.

There are five islands on the Lugu Lake. All these islands are of different sizes and look like green boats floating on the
water. Of these, Heiwawu Island, Liwubi Island, and Lige Island are the most notable ones. Heiwawu Island is located in
the center of the lake and is home to a rich and colorful variety of birds. On the south side of the lake stands Liwubidao
Island lies at the foot of the Lion Mountain. It is actually a small peninsular formed by the extension of the Lion Mountain
into the Lake. A dozen of Mosuo families live on this island so it is possible for the visitors to experience the life on the
island and, at the same time, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake.

The Lugu Lake in Lijiang looks its best during morning time when mist mixed with the light of the rising sun imparts an orange glow to the lake.
The pretty and graceful Mosuo girls, the ancient and natural canoes and the moving and pleasant fishing songs are considered to be the "three
most enjoyable things on the lake".

The Mosuos, a branch of the Naxi nationality with a population of about 15000, are the main ethnic group scattered in the lakeside villages. The
Mosuo women wear long hair tied into a bun and red, green and black garments and white folding skirts with colorful sashes tied round their
waists. Before 13 years old, they usually wear long gowns. After the initiation ceremony at the age of 13, men wear trousers and women wear
skirts.

The Mosuo people have their own ways and customs, still retain some remnants of the matriarchal society.
Men and women are not bound by marriage, each living at one's mother's home. Men work at home during
the day and spend their night with the women they love in their homes. Children are under the care of and
supported by their maternal families. Fathers do not live in the same family with their children and women so
that they are not bound up with their women financially in their production and life. This unique wedlock
values affection and gives more freedom to men and women in their relationships. They may choose to unite
or separate at will. It has been considered as the living fossil as a basis for a study of social patterns and
matriarchal marriage customs in today’s world.