Kayaking on Lugu Lake: Exploring the Waters in a Traditional Mosuo Pig Trough Boat

#kayak #100waysoftravel #yunnan #lugulake #luguhu #travelchina One of the must-do activities at Lugu Lake is to kayak or take a traditional boat tour. Nestled on the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, Lugu Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking mountainous backdrop, and cultural significance as the home of the Mosuo people, a minor ethnic group. The boats used on the lake are called pig trough boats, named for their resemblance to long pig troughs. These sturdy vessels are carved from openwork logs with sharpened ends, a unique tradition of the Mosuo people. While paddling in one of these boats can be challenging due to the heavy wooden paddles, the serene atmosphere of the lake makes the effort worthwhile. We visited in April and, unfortunately, missed the blooming season for 水性杨花 (aquatic poplar flowers), a special floating plant that graces the lake’s surface during the right time of year. Despite that, we enjoyed leisurely paddling across the tranquil water, taking in the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. As the lake is quite expansive, we grew tired, and eventually, the boat master took over, guiding us back to shore. The entire experience was unforgettable, immersing us in the peaceful beauty of Lugu Lake and the Mosuo culture.