Lugu Lake travel guide

Lugu Lake straddles the Sichuan–Yunnan border, and it is easy to reach by bus from either province. From Sichuan, change buses in Xichang; from within Yunnan, change buses in Lijiang.

Ninglang Lugu Lake Airport is located in Baozidong, Shifoshan Village, Hongqiao Township, Ninglang Yi Autonomous County. An airport express service is now running, connecting directly to the scenic area and the county seat.

You can travel from Lijiang to Lugu Lake either by going first to Ninglang county town and transferring there, or by taking a direct bus to Lugu Lake.

1. Lijiang→Ninglang→Lugu Lake

There are many buses from Lijiang to Ninglang, departing from every bus station, and some sell combined tickets from Lijiang to Lugu Lake (with a combined ticket, you do not need to buy another ticket to Lugu Lake in Ninglang). There are also many buses from Ninglang to Lugu Lake, terminating at Luoshui Village (落水村).

2. Lijiang→Lugu Lake

Direct shuttle buses from Lijiang to Lugu Lake are now running, round trip about ¥140 per person, but departures are infrequent, usually around 9:00 a.m. daily, terminating at Luoshui Village. If you plan to travel directly, it is advisable to buy your ticket one day in advance.

3. Xichang→Lugu Lake

The Xichang Bus Tourism Passenger Center runs direct buses to Lugu Lake Town. The fare is about ¥94 and the journey takes about 7 hours. There are four departures daily, the earliest around 8:00 a.m., terminating at Zuosuo Town on Lugu Lake.

Within the Lugu Lake scenic area you can cycle or ride an e-bike around the lake, or stroll at a leisurely pace. If time is tight, self-driving or hiring a car locally is recommended. To visit the small islands in the lake, you can take a pig-trough boat.

Cycling around the lake is the most rewarding way to explore, but it is demanding and requires good stamina. Bicycles can be rented at the Visitor Reception Center, the Mukua Management Office, the Wuzhiluo Management Office and elsewhere; some guesthouses and shops also offer bike rental.

Hiring a car is one of the more convenient ways to get around. If you are travelling alone, ask your guesthouse owner, who can help you find others to share a car.

The pig-trough boat is a distinctive watercraft of the Mosuo people, made by hollowing out a thick round log and sharpening both ends. Its long shape resembles a pig trough, hence the name. Pig-trough boat trips are operated locally, with fares ranging from ¥30 to ¥200 depending on distance.

Zhupiao Pork: a delicacy unique to the Mosuo people. The pig is slaughtered, its internal organs removed and its bones taken out (except the skull), then packed with plenty of seasonings and cured whole. It is rich and flavourful without being greasy, nutritious and delicious.

Suli Ma Wine: a traditional Mosuo brew with a pale yellow colour and low alcohol content. Sweet and refreshing, it is known as “Mosuo beer” and is an essential drink for welcoming guests in local homes.

Pickled Pears: the Mosuo’s traditional pickle, made from a local variety of ma pear (麻梨). The pears are soaked in clay jars with set proportions of salt, baijiu, ginger, garlic, Sichuan pepper and water, then sealed for a month before eating. Tangy, sweet and crisp, they make a delicious accompaniment to meals.

Along the beautiful shores of Lugu Lake you will find artsy, relaxing lakeside guesthouses, affordable youth hostels, grand well-appointed chain hotels and traditional Mosuo homes full of local character. In short, you will always find a place to stay.

Lugu Lake has many exquisite ethnic accessories and Mosuo clothing. Local specialties such as zhupiao pork, Suli Ma wine and dried apples can be bought directly from farmers or from shops in Ninglang county town.