Lugu Lake Boat Cruise

Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) is a serene and mystical destination located on the border of Yunnan (云南) and Sichuan (四川). It is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture, especially the Mosuo (摩梭人) people who inhabit the region. The boat tours around the lake are the perfect way to experience the tranquil waters and scenic landscapes. Here is your ultimate guide to planning a boat tour at Lugu Lake.

The Pig Trough Boat (猪槽船): A Millennium Cultural Symbol on Lugu Lake (泸沽湖)

Unique Design and Practical Function

Design Features: The pig trough boat is crafted from a single large piece of wood, hollowed out with pointed ends resembling a pig trough. In the Mosuo language, it is called "Rigu" (摩梭语称“日故”), and it has been used for generations by the Mosuo people as a traditional dugout canoe.

Sailing Characteristics: The boat is light and agile, able to navigate freely through the reed marshes of the Grass Sea (Cao Hai, 草海). It typically carries 8 to 15 passengers.

Mythical Origin Legends

The Flood That Destroyed the World: In ancient times, a greedy chieftain broke open the stone cave where the divine carp resided, causing a great flood. Only one mother survived by placing her two sons in a pig trough. When the floodwaters receded, the lake that formed was Lugu Lake (泸沽湖).

Continuation of Civilization: The two surviving brothers became the ancestors of the Mosuo people. The pig trough boat was seen as a "life ark" and gave rise to the matriarchal culture of "women steering the boat."

Cultural Symbolism

Carrier of Love: The pig trough boats on the Walked Marriage Bridge (Zou Hun Qiao, 走婚桥) route are often referred to as the "Ark of Love." Young Mosuo men and women commonly use the boat for dates.

Spiritual Totem: The boat's bow is often decorated with sun and moon patterns, symbolizing the Mosuo people's worship of the goddess.

Tourist Spot Recommendations

Islands

Liwubi Island (里务比岛): Located in the central-southern part of Lugu Lake, this island divides the lake into two parts with the Tubu Peninsula. On one side, there is a natural dock, while the other side features Liwubi Temple and a white pagoda. Every year on the fourth day of the sixth month of the lunar calendar, the Mosuo people gather on the island to chant prayers.

Liwubi Island of Lugu Lake in Lijiang

Wangfei Island (王妃岛): Also known as Bowao Island (博洼俄岛), it covers an area of 7.5 acres, surrounded by vast waters. This island was the residence of the last Mosuo queen, Xiao Shuming. The island is lush with vegetation, offering a cool atmosphere in summer, and features a lakeside path where visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of Lugu Lake.

Nise Bird Island (尼塞鸟岛): A beautiful peninsula in Lugu Lake, Nise Bird Island is famous for its stunning scenery and serves as a habitat for many migratory birds, making it an ideal location for birdwatching and photography.

Xiewa'o Island (谢瓦俄岛): The second-largest island in Lugu Lake, Xiewa'o Island holds significant cultural importance. The Xiewa'o Temple on the island is one of the most sacred religious sites for the Mosuo people. The island is also known for its ancient trees and shores covered in water plants, with visitors able to participate in Buddhist chanting ceremonies.

Rige Peninsula (里格半岛): A crescent-shaped island surrounded by water on three sides, Rige Peninsula is famous for its enchanting morning views and is widely promoted as a key scenic spot on Lugu Lake.

Natural Scenic Spots

Grass Sea (Cao Hai, 草海): Located in the southeastern waters of Lugu Lake, the Grass Sea is a large wetland and a haven for water birds. The Walked Marriage Bridge, a symbol of the Mosuo people’s culture, also resides here.

Water Hyacinth Flower Sea (水性杨花花海): From May to September, the Water Hyacinths bloom across the lake, creating vast fields of white flowers. Visitors can take a pig trough boat through the flowers, witnessing an underwater ballet as the slender stems sway in the water.

Luyuan Cliff (泸源崖): This unique stone cliff, located at the outlet of the underground waters feeding Lugu Lake, offers an exceptional natural landscape. It is an ideal place to reflect on the harmony of nature.

Goddess Bay (Zhao Jia Bay, 赵家湾): Known as the best spot to watch the sunset on Lugu Lake, the bay is illuminated by vibrant evening hues. It is often visited alongside Wangfei Island.

Cultural Scenic Spots

Walked Marriage Bridge (Zou Hun Qiao, 走婚桥): This 300-meter wooden bridge in the Grass Sea is where Mosuo men and women traditionally meet, and it has become a symbol of the Mosuo culture.

Sacrifice Altar (祭神台): This is where the Mosuo people worship their gods. It offers a beautiful view of the lake and mountains, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of nature.

Lugu Lake Pier Recommendations

Daluo Shui Pier(大落水码头)(Yunnan Border)

Core Features: This is the earliest ferry hub on Lugu Lake, offering well-established facilities and a bustling commercial area.
Classic Routes:

Liwubi Island Short Route

Three Island Tour (Liwubi Island + Xiewa'o Island + Snake Island)
Best Experiences:

Sunrise viewing in the early morning mist

Bonfire parties at the pier in the evening

Luowa Pier （洛洼码头）(Sichuan Border)

Unique Advantage: Located at the dividing point between the Grass Sea and the Bright Sea (Liang Hai, 亮海), this pier is famous for its winter mist, making it a perfect spot for photography.
Recommended Routes:

Round trip to Wangfei Island

Water Hyacinth Observation Route (summer only)
Hidden Gems:

Take a boat trip to view Rige Peninsula and Daluo Shui Village

The pier’s guesthouses offer local freshwater fish dinners

Dazhu Pier （达祖码头）(Sichuan Border)

Cultural Highlights: Located near an authentic Mosuo village, this pier offers the most traditional pig trough boat experience.
Featured Routes:

Goddess Bay Sunset Route (boats depart after 16:00)

“Dear Inn” filming location check-in route
Nearby Attractions:

Combine visits with Walked Marriage Bridge

The pier’s Lover’s Tree is a popular photo spot.

General Tips for Boat Rides

Best Seasons:

May to October: Water Hyacinth Bloom Season

November to March: Ideal for bird watching and feeding seagulls
Best Times:

For morning mist: 7:50 AM to 8:30 AM (Winter sunrise occurs after 8 AM)

For sunset: Recommended between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Pitfalls to Avoid:

The Yunnan pier cannot capture the golden morning mist; head to the Sichuan side for that

Confirm if the island-hopping fees are included in the boat ride before boarding
Cultural Etiquette:

Please avoid stepping on prayer flags or littering in the lake

It is recommended to listen attentively to the boatman’s explanations

Important Reminders

When riding the pig trough boat, follow the boatman’s instructions, avoid moving around or making noise in the boat to prevent accidents.
Lugu Lake is located at a high-altitude region with strong UV rays, so make sure to apply sunscreen while on the boat.
Respect the Mosuo people’s customs, particularly their unique walk-in marriage culture. Do not ask sensitive questions or make inappropriate comments.
Help preserve the environment by keeping Lugu Lake clean and beautiful.