I originally thought Erhai Lake was beautiful, until I came to Lugu Lake

That pure land hidden on the border of Sichuan and Yunnan is like a dreamland, with crystal-clear mirror-like waters and the unique, mysterious Mosuo culture. Here is a 3-day, 2-night guide to immerse yourself in the beauty of Lugu Lake! Travel Preparation 1. Documents: Bring your ID card and a small amount of cash, as signal is poor in remote areas and cash is safer. 2. Clothing: Lugu Lake has a large temperature difference between day and night, so a thick jacket is essential. Light summer clothes are suitable from June to September, when you can enjoy the water willow flowers; from December to February it is cold, so bring thick cotton clothes, scarves, gloves, and other warm clothing. 3. Skincare and Sun Protection: The plateau has strong UV rays, so high-SPF sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sun hats, sunglasses, moisturizing masks, and skincare products are all indispensable. 4. Medicine: Prepare motion sickness medicine for winding roads; also bring cold medicine, stomach medicine, and altitude sickness medicine to prevent discomfort. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: - Airplane: Fly directly to Ninglang Lugu Lake Airport. After landing, take the airport shuttle bus (about 30 RMB/person) to the scenic area, or arrange pick-up with your guesthouse in advance, or share a car (50-80 RMB per person). - Bus: Take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station (about 80 RMB/person, 4-5 hours); or share a business car near Lijiang Old Town (100-150 RMB/person, 3-4 hours), which is more convenient. 2. Internal Transportation: - Car rental with driver: 300-400 RMB/day, allows flexible stops, suitable for groups; ask your guesthouse owner to help contact a reliable driver. - Electric scooter rental: 80-150 RMB/day, convenient but watch battery and ride safely; book in advance during peak season. - Pig trough boat: A must-try for lake tours, prices vary from 50 to 150 RMB/person depending on the dock; Wuzhilu Dock and Dazhu Dock offer close views of the water willow flowers. Itinerary Planning Day 1: First encounter with Lugu Lake, meet the lake and mountain scenery Morning: Arrive at Lugu Lake. If flying directly to Ninglang Lugu Lake Airport, share a car to Daluoshu Village (about 1 hour); if self-driving, it takes about 4 hours from Lijiang (mountain roads with many curves, beginners should be cautious). Buy the 70 RMB scenic area ticket online in advance and remember to book one day ahead. Afternoon: From Daluoshu Village, head to Lige Peninsula. Take photos of the heart-shaped bay at the Lige viewing platform; drone shots are even better. Then visit Lover’s Beach, take photos with colorful pig trough boats and transparent glass balls on the shore. Next, go to Nise Village and take the 70 RMB cable car up to Goddess Gem Mountain for a panoramic view of Lugu Lake. Evening: Stay at a lake-view guesthouse in Langfang Village, recommended “Qianshanji” and “Qieman,” around 200 RMB per person. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the lake and mountains, offering stunning lake views. Day 2: Explore Lugu Lake, experience Mosuo culture 6:30 - 8:00: Go to Liwubi Island to watch the sunrise. Take a pig trough boat (130 RMB/person) through the sea of flowers, recommended route is “Guandi Flower Sea Dock.” Wearing a white long dress for photos is very beautiful; the best flower season is July to August. Morning: Visit Caohai Walking Marriage Bridge, stroll along the 300-meter wooden bridge, learn about the Mosuo walking marriage custom. You can rent Mosuo ethnic costumes for photos at the bridgehead (30 RMB/set). At dusk, the bridge’s reflection with the sunset is perfect for photos. Afternoon: Visit Goddess Bay and Sacrificial Platform. The water in Goddess Bay is clear, and the light and shadow after 4 pm are beautiful. The Sacrificial Platform is a less crowded viewing spot where you can overlook Lugu Lake without disturbance. Night: Go to Xiaoluoshu Village to join the Mosuo bonfire party (30 RMB), learn to dance the Jiao Cuo dance, sing duets with Mosuo girls, and experience ethnic customs. Day 3: Deepen Mosuo culture experience, leave beautiful memories Morning: Visit the Grandmother’s House, taste butter tea, and listen to the explanation of the “walking marriage” culture (respect customs and avoid asking intrusive questions). Noon: Have steamed stone pot fish at a lake-view restaurant in Dazhu Village, recommended “Spring Water Stone Pot Fish.” The fish soup is delicious, about 60 RMB per person. Afternoon: Drive or take a car back, stop by “Luyuan Cliff” prayer flag array, and pray at Salongda to complete your trip perfectly. Food Recommendations 1. Steamed Stone Pot Fish: Made with freshly caught Lijiang fish from the lake, served with fermented bean curd dipping sauce. The fish soup is delicious, the fish tender, and the pot covered with a straw hat adds a ceremonial feel. 2. Mosuo Baba: Brown sugar-filled baked cake, crispy outside and sweet inside, available at breakfast stalls to start your day energetically. 3. Buckwheat Baba with Honey: The fragrance of buckwheat perfectly blends with the sweetness of honey, a favorite local afternoon tea. 4. Matsutake Mushroom Stewed Chicken: A seasonal delicacy from July to August, the fresh flavor of matsutake mushrooms infuses the chicken soup, nutritious and tasty. Accommodation Options 1. Daluoshu Village: Convenient transportation, complete facilities, cost-effective lake-view rooms, suitable for travelers seeking convenience and value. 2. Lige Peninsula: Beautiful scenery, many popular guesthouses, ideal for those who love photography and romantic atmosphere, but prices are relatively high. 3. Nise Village: Located at the foot of Goddess Gem Mountain, quiet and pristine, suitable for those who prefer tranquility and want to deeply experience Mosuo culture. Notes 1. Always respect Mosuo culture and customs. Keep quiet in the Grandmother’s House and do not take photos without permission. 2. When taking pig trough boats, wear life jackets properly and follow the boatman’s instructions to ensure safety. 3. Rest well in the plateau area, avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness, and seek medical attention promptly if unwell.