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Lugu Lake straddles the border between Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, around 300 kilometres from Lijiang. It is a plateau lake formed by downthrows of a geological fault. It sits at an elevation of 2685 meters above sea level, making it the highest lake in Yunnan province. The average depth of the lake is 45 metres, however it reaches a depth of over 90 metres in some parts. Perhaps the most incredible thing about this lake is the purity of its water- in many places, visibility down into the lake is 12 metres! Lugu Lake is famous not only for its beautiful natural scenery, but also because it is home to a unique matriarchial society, well-preserved by the indigenous Mosuo people, who are a branch of the Naxi ethnic minority group. In every Mosuo family and village, women have the most important roles. Children take the mother's family name and live with their mother and her family. The father bears no responsibility for the raising of the child. The Mosuo minority people have a special relationship between lovers known as "Axia". When the youth have passed through a special rite of passage at the age of 13 which signals their coming of age, they are free to choose their own lover. Generally, the young man expresses his interest in a girl through sending gifts such as cigarettes, sugar, wine or tea to the girl's family. If the girl shows reciprocal interest, the boy will then ask the girl's grandmother or elder aunt for her blessing on the union. Once permission is granted, the couple are free to participate in the "walking marriage". Both the boy and girl continue to live with their own family, however at night, the boy is free to come and 'visit' the girl and stay with her. There is no official ceremony to recognise the union. The rich culture, quaint villages, pristine water, and mountain backdrop make Lugu Lake a fantastic getaway. Avoid Luoshui Village (near the entrance to the park) which is full of tourists. There's plenty of small peaceful guesthouses further around the lake (between Lige and Dazui). Or if you're up for it, bring a tent. There's lots of flat, grassy places to camp right near the water's edge. |
