Goddess-Bay (Nvshenwan) of Lugu Lake, Lijiang

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Goddess Bay is a key attraction located in the core area of the Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) Scenic Area, in Yanyuan County (盐源县), Liangshan Prefecture (凉山州), Sichuan Province (四川省). The bay is named after its view of Mount Gemu (格姆女神山) and is often referred to as the “Hawaii of the East.”

Key Features

Natural Scenery

Goddess Bay is renowned for its serene beauty, which includes deep blue waters, tranquil forests, and rugged mountain rocks. The lake’s shores are lined with golden stones, which resemble the famous Yuhua stones (雨花石) from Nanjing (南京). Early morning mist creates a mystical atmosphere, and at sunset, the lake is bathed in golden hues, with the reflection of Mount Gemu (格姆女神山) adding to its breathtaking beauty. This makes it one of the best spots in Sichuan (四川) for sunset views.

Cultural Legend

Local legend tells the story of the love between Goddess Gemu (格姆女神) and the male deity, Walu Kana (瓦如卡那). It is said that the goddess transformed into a mountain to watch over the lake, and her tears became the waters of the lake, adding a romantic and mysterious aura to the area. The surrounding Mosuo (摩梭) culture is rich, and visitors can experience traditional customs such as the pig-trough boats (猪槽船) and the Walk Marriage Bridge (走婚桥).

Practical Information

Transportation

By car, it is approximately 17 kilometers (32 minutes) from the Gemu Mountain (格姆山) Cable Car parking lot to Goddess Bay. You can use the navigation to find “Goddess Bay of Lugu Lake” (泸湖女神湾).

The road around the lake is winding and narrow, so it is recommended to drive cautiously or hire a car.

Opening Hours

Open year-round, all day.

Best Time to Visit

From July to September, the lake is covered with blooming water lilies (水性杨花), and from October to November, the grasslands turn golden, with fewer tourists.

The peak blooming period for water lilies is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM each day.

Ticket Information

The entry fee is 70 RMB (50% off for Chongqing (重庆) residents). This includes access to the Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) Scenic Area.

Nearby Attractions

Princess Island (王妃岛)

Accessible by boat, this island is home to the former residence of the last Mosuo princess.

Grass Sea Wetlands (草海湿地)

In summer, the wetlands are a vibrant green, while in autumn, they turn golden. Visitors can take a pig-trough boat (猪槽船) to spot black-necked cranes (黑颈鹤).

Marriage Walking Bridge(走婚桥)

Experience the unique Mosuo (摩梭) custom of walking marriages, and enjoy a stroll through the misty morning atmosphere.