Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake is located on the border between Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, 200 kilometers away the center of Lijiang City. It is like a beautiful shinning belt running among the hills. Mystery and charm surround the lake, partly because it was once an unspoiled place and still retains much of its totally natural beauty, but mostly because the Mosuo people who live there form a matriarchal society. This is the only place in China that still abides by this system. Women are the top leaders of the community's extensive families, and all family members are descendants of the same woman. There are no husbands and fathers here - lovers meet at night but live separately with their own mother's families by day.

Admission fee: RMB80

When to go:

The best time to visit the lake are April to May, and September to October, when the weather is dry and mild.

How to get:

Lijiang's long distance bus station has one direct bus a day to the lake (RMN63, seven to eight hours) but buy your ticket at least one day in advance as it's often fully booked. Alternately, you can go to Ninglang from Lijiang's north bus station (RMB23, three to four hours, six buses daily from 8am to 2pm). From Ninglang, there is a daily bus to the lake.