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Luguhu Lake
Lake area where a matriarchal community exists
Situated in the northwest of Yunnan province and covering an area of 19 square miles (50 km²) with an average depth of 295 ft (90m), Luguhu Lake has very long, serpentine banks, dotted with numerous islands. The area near the lake is remarkably different from the outside world, in that the local people maintain a matriarchal tradition to this day.
These people are called the Mosuo, and are perhaps the last matriarchal community in the world. There are many special customs among the Mosuo people. They are very different from other communities with regard to such things as clothing, food, housing, and transportation. One unique feature is that they still have primitive marriage rites called zouhun. These have added a somewhat mysterious lustre and atmosphere to the region, which has long been regarded in the East as the Kingdom of Girls.
The kingdom is characterized by tenderness and love. The Mosuo attach the utmost respect and importance to mothers and girls. The most striking feature lies in the fact that a big family is built up and strengthened by maternal blood ties, not the usual paternal ones. It is the grandmother that presides over family affairs and has the final word in every important thing. What is more, the significant family members are the daughters, while sons are regarded as uncles to nephews and nieces. In addition, women are dominant in such aspects as farming and community affairs.
Perhaps the most interesting is the zouhun ("walking marriage"). A man and woman do not marry and live under the same roof. If a man is attracted to a girl, it is customary for him to walk to her house in the still of night, perhaps after making some overtures to her in advance, and have a heart-to-heart talk with her. If everything goes smoothly, he is allowed to stay overnight, leaving before daybreak.
In practice, both men and women attach a greet deal to love. They are free to continue their relationship or to continue on their own in that they live in their respective mothers' houses. However, once their relation- ship is settled, they remain loyal to each other. If their relationship produces a baby, the baby naturally belongs to the woman, who takes on the responsibility of caring for the child and bringing it up.
No matchmaker or parent is ever involved in these arrangements. In the community very few disputes occur. Villagers are friendly and kind hearted, and have a calm attitude toward people and things around.
In addition to the local customs, which make this ancient land charming and mysterious, the natural scenery is eye-catching.
In the Kingdom of Girls you can take a boat on the lake and visit the Mosuo villages nearby. The log cabins and the compound courtyards are worth touring. Besides, it gives you a good opportunity to observe zouhun in practice. You may consult the local people if you are interested in the folklore as well.
There is a village called Luoshui on the west bank of the lake. It is a typical scenic spot with a primitive landscape, and it is a must-see place, accessible thanks to easy transportation and its convenient location.
Another attraction is Yongning, 12.5 miles (20km) north of Luoshui village. There you may visit the Zhameishi Temple and the Yongnlng hot spring, where you have the chance to learn about the daily life, history, religion, culture, and folk art of these people.
Location
Luguhu Lake is situated in the Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan province. It is at the juncture of Sichuan province and Yunnan province, on the Dianxibei Plateau.
Climate
Luguhu Lake area is cool in summer and warm in winter, owing to the surrounding mountains and the big lake. Its annual average temperature is less than 68F (20C), with not a great deal of rainfall all the year round. The best touring seasons are spring and summer.
Of Special Interest
The Mosuo people and said to be the only group around Luguhu Lake who still live in a matriarchal community.
Main Attractions
Luguhu Lake, the Mosuo people around the lake, three islands in the lake, the Yongning hot spring, and the Zhameishi Temple.
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