
Local Mosuo ethnic people paddle dugout canoes, offering visitors an immersive experience at Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan province. [Photo by Chen Fei/For chinadaily.com.cn]
A light winter mist often settles over Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan province, as the highland lake and surrounding mountains slowly emerge at dawn.
Amidst the ethereal morning fog, local Mosuo ethnic people paddle their traditional dugout canoes while singing mountain songs.

Local Mosuo ethnic people paddle dugout canoes, offering visitors an immersive experience at Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan province. [Photo by Chen Fei/For chinadaily.com.cn]
The scenic area encourages a rich blend of cultural and tourism activities centered around Mosuo culture, gradually making winter visits to Lugu Lake a popular draw for travelers.
In 2025, the Lugu Lake area welcomed 1.56 million visitors, marking a 10.72 percent increase from the previous year, according to data from authorities.

Local Mosuo ethnic people paddle dugout canoes, offering visitors an immersive experience at Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan province. [Photo by Chen Fei/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Local Mosuo ethnic people paddle dugout canoes, offering visitors an immersive experience at Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan province. [Photo by Chen Fei/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Local Mosuo ethnic people paddle dugout canoes, offering visitors an immersive experience at Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan province. [Photo by Chen Fei/For chinadaily.com.cn]