Lugu

Lugu refers primarily to Lugu Lake (Lúgū Hú), a high‑altitude freshwater lake in northwestern Yunnan province, China, near the border with Sichuan. The lake is set in the Hengduan Mountains and is renowned for its scenic surroundings and its cultural significance to the Mosuo people.

The Mosuo inhabit villages around the lake and its shores. They are one of China’s ethnic groups distinguished in popular accounts for a matrilineal kinship system and traditional practices such as walking marriages, though contemporary factors such as tourism and modernization have brought changes to daily life. The Mosuo culture and the lake’s picturesque setting have made the area a focal point for cultural and nature tourism.

Tourism around Lugu Lake centers on boat rides, sightseeing along the shoreline, and visits to Mosuo villages and homes. The region contains guesthouses, cultural performances, and markets that cater to visitors. Local and regional authorities promote ecotourism and community-based tourism as a way to balance economic development with environmental protection and cultural preservation.

The name Lugu is tied to the lake itself in Chinese usage, with Lugu Lake serving as the principal reference. The site remains a popular destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and an introduction to Mosuo culture, while ongoing efforts seek to manage tourism sustainably and respect local traditions.