Goddess Bay
Goddess Bay lies on the west side of Lake Lugu, a quiet little harbour named after Gemu Goddess Mountain across the water. When the sun sets behind the western hills and the evening glow turns red,…
Goddess Bay, Lugu Lake
Key facts
- Admission
- Free (included in the Lugu Lake Scenic Area ticket, main entrance ticket ¥70)
- Opening hours
- Open all day (all year 2026)
- Time needed
- 20–30 minutes
- Getting there
- Can be reached by bicycle from Lige Peninsula, Dalushui Village and other places
- Guidebook rating
- 3 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 249. Open in Google Maps
About Goddess Bay
Goddess Bay lies on the west side of Lake Lugu, a quiet little harbour named after Gemu Goddess Mountain across the water. When the sun sets behind the western hills and the evening glow turns red, the whole lake takes on a warm hue, making it the perfect moment to photograph the lake and the sacred mountain together.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Goddess Bay cost?
Admission to Goddess Bay is Free (included in the Lugu Lake Scenic Area ticket, main entrance ticket ¥70), as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Goddess Bay?
Goddess Bay is open Open all day (all year 2026).
How do I get to Goddess Bay?
Can be reached by bicycle from Lige Peninsula, Dalushui Village and other places
How long should I spend at Goddess Bay?
Plan on 20–30 minutes for Goddess Bay.
Where is Goddess Bay?
Goddess Bay is in Lugu Lake, Yunnan Province, in the Southwest of China. Inside Lugu Lake Scenic and Historic Area, S307, Lugu Lake Town, Ninglang County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
More places in Lugu Lake
Lugu Three Islands
The Three Islands of Lake Lugu are Nixi Island, Liwubi Island and Naizhongpu Island, whose exquisite scenery is breathtaking. Nixi is the smallest of the three, covered in moss and shrubs. Liwubi is the largest island on Lake Lugu; at the end of the flower-lined path stands Liwubi Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that draws many worshippers. The island also has a white pagoda, the spirit tower of A Yunshan, steward of the Yongning Mosuo chieftain's residence. A Yunshan was a renowned figure in Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet. Naizhongpu Island is lush with trees and home to countless birds. On the islands you can ride a horse or walk around to enjoy the beauty of Lake Lugu, and visit the Mosuo villages, whose people are known for their simple, genuine ways.
Included in the Lugu Lake Scenic Area main entrance ticket (main entrance ticket ¥70/person, half price ¥35) · 1-3 hours
Lige Peninsula
Lige Peninsula, with its beautiful scenery, sits at the foot of Gemu Goddess Mountain, where green hills meet clear waters. It is the best place to stay on Lake Lugu, especially lakeview rooms, where you can watch the sunrise and sunset, enjoy the views of lake and mountains, and listen to the water lapping at the shore at night. Each moment has its own charm.
Included in the Lake Lugu scenic area entrance ticket · 3–5 hours
Gemu Goddess Mountain
Also known as “Lion Mountain”, it stands at 3,754.7 metres and is the highest peak near Lake Lugu. Inside the Goddess Cave at the summit is a naturally formed stalactite statue of the goddess. In Mosuo mythology, this mountain is the incarnation of a goddess, and during the Mountain Turning Festival, Mosuo people climb the mountain to worship. Majestic and towering, Lion Mountain was described by the writer Joseph Rock as “the most prominent sight in the Yongning landscape”. From the summit you can take in the entire view of Lake Lugu.
Gemu Goddess Mountain cable car ¥78; Lake Lugu entrance ticket + Gemu Goddess Mountain cable car combo ¥160 · 2 hours
Caohai Marsh
Caohai (Grass Sea) takes its name from its shallow waters, caused by long-term silt deposition, and the dense reeds that grow here. It lies to the southeast of Lake Lugu, where reeds form walls and waterways criss-cross, like emeralds set into the lake.
Included in the Lake Lugu scenic area entrance ticket · 1–2 hours
Walking Marriage Bridge
The most famous spot in Caohai is the Walking Marriage Bridge, dubbed the “Number One Magpie Bridge Under Heaven”. It is a 300-metre wooden bridge extending out through the reeds of Caohai, and it is where Mosuo men and women carry out the walking marriage custom. Today the old bridge's timber has rotted and lies scattered across the marsh. The new bridge runs right beside the old one, spanning Caohai and providing convenience for local residents.
Free (included in the Lugu Lake Scenic Area main entrance ticket) · 20–30 minutes
Nisai Village
A natural Mosuo village with only 14 households, it is very peaceful and scenic. The famous Lovers' Tree and Early Love Tree are located here, and Nisai is also the starting point of the cable car to Gemu Goddess Mountain.
Free · 1 day