Exploring the Lugu Lake National Scenic Area: The Charm of a Paradise on Earth

Among the beautiful landscapes of our great nation, there lies a mysterious place—the Lugu Lake National Scenic Area. It is like a dazzling pearl, nestled between towering mountains, exuding a unique charm.

Lugu Lake, situated on the border of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, is shared by both provinces. The area around the lake is predominantly inhabited by ethnic minorities such as the Mosuo, Yi, and Pumi peoples. The cultures of these ethnic groups blend here, adding a rich cultural atmosphere to the area.

The lake’s water is crystal-clear and azure, making it the highest lake in Yunnan and one of the deepest freshwater lakes in China. Under the sunlight, the water sparkles, resembling a giant mirror reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding mountains. Standing by the lake, with a gentle breeze on your face, one can feel a sense of tranquility and peace. The lake is not only beautiful but also imbued with a sense of mystery. It is said that the waters of Lugu Lake possess a magical power that can heal the soul.

The area around Lugu Lake is surrounded by towering mountains, which have a snow-covered period of over three months each year. These peaks rise high into the clouds, majestic and awe-inspiring, complementing the lake’s beauty to create a stunning landscape. The mountains are rich in forest resources, lush with green trees, and the air is fresh. Here, you can breathe in the crisp, fresh air and experience the beauty of nature. For this reason, Lugu Lake is also known as a “fairyland of Penglai.”

The Lugu Lake National Scenic Area boasts many major attractions. One of the must-visit spots is the Goddess Ge Mu Cable Car. By taking the cable car, visitors can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the entire lake and marvel at the grandeur of nature. Another beautiful spot is Xiaocaohai, where lush water plants thrive, and the lake’s waters are clear. It is also home to many water birds. The three islands of Lugu Lake each have their own unique characteristics—some feature ancient temples, while others have beautiful gardens that captivate visitors.

The most popular way to explore Lugu Lake is by electric car, which circles the lake. You can ride the electric car along the lakeside road, slowly taking in the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Along the way, you can stop to interact with the local residents and learn about their lives and culture. This intimate way of experiencing nature provides a unique joy.

Lugu Lake is easily accessible by various forms of transportation. Buses are a common mode of travel. From the Lijiang bus station, you can take a coach to Ninglang County and then transfer to a minivan to reach Lugu Lake. Alternatively, you can take a coach to Yongning from Lijiang and alight at Daluoshui Village. Additionally, every morning, there are dedicated tourist shuttle buses departing from the Yuhe Square parking lot at the entrance to Lijiang Old Town, which will take you to Daluoshui Village and Lige Island. The journey takes about three hours. The Lijiang Bus Station also has buses that go to Daluoshui Village in Lugu Lake daily. For those who prefer more freedom, car rentals are available, making it both convenient and flexible to drive from Lijiang to Lugu Lake.

The ticket prices for Lugu Lake are quite reasonable. The full price ticket costs 70 yuan, and the half-price ticket is 35 yuan. Students, seniors aged 60 to 69, and people with disabilities can enjoy a half-price discount, provided they show relevant identification. Active military personnel, military veterans, seniors aged 70 and above, and journalists with credentials from the National Press and Publication Administration can enter the scenic area for free. From November 1, 2021, to November 1, 2026, visitors from Zhejiang Province can enter the scenic area for free with their ID cards. Please note that the ticket prices are for reference only and are subject to the actual price disclosed by the authorities on the day of your visit.

The Lugu Lake National Scenic Area is open all day, with specific opening times based on the area’s regulations. This is a place that will make you linger and leave you longing for more. Whether you are a fan of natural landscapes or cultural history, you will find something that speaks to you here. Come, let’s explore Lugu Lake together and experience its beauty and mystery.

Lugu Lake National Scenic Area FAQs

1. Which ethnic minorities live around Lugu Lake?
   The area around Lugu Lake is predominantly inhabited by the Mosuo, Yi, and Pumi peoples. The cultures of these ethnic groups blend together, adding a rich cultural atmosphere to the region. They have unique lifestyles and traditional customs, such as the Mosuo’s "walking marriage" system, which attracts many visitors interested in learning about and experiencing their culture.

2. What are the popular activities to do at Lugu Lake?
   The most popular way to explore Lugu Lake is by electric car. Visitors can ride the electric car along the lakeside road, enjoying the picturesque views of the lake and mountains. Along the way, you can stop and interact with local residents to learn about their lives and culture. Other activities include taking the Goddess Ge Mu Cable Car for a panoramic view of the lake, visiting Xiaocaohai, and exploring the three islands of Lugu Lake, each with its own unique attractions.

3. What are the ticket prices for Lugu Lake?
   The full price ticket for Lugu Lake is 70 yuan, while the half-price ticket is 35 yuan. Students, seniors aged 60-69, and people with disabilities can enjoy a half-price discount with valid identification. Active military personnel, veterans, seniors aged 70 and above, and journalists from the National Press and Publication Administration can enter for free with valid documentation. From November 1, 2021, to November 1, 2026, visitors from Zhejiang Province can enter for free with their ID cards. Ticket prices are for reference only, and the actual prices may vary based on official announcements.

4. What transportation options are available to Lugu Lake?
   Transportation to Lugu Lake is quite convenient. You can take a coach from Lijiang Bus Station to Ninglang County, then transfer to a minivan to reach Lugu Lake. Alternatively, there are direct buses from Lijiang to Yongning, where you can alight at Daluoshui Village. Tourist shuttle buses also depart every morning from the Yuhe Square parking lot near Lijiang Old Town, heading to Daluoshui Village and Lige Island. Car rentals are available for those who prefer more flexibility, making it easy to drive from Lijiang to Lugu Lake.