Luyuan Cliff

泸沽湖泸源崖

Luyuan Cliff, the site of the Lugu Lake groundwater outlet, boasts a unique landscape with its sheer cliffs. An observation deck offers panoramic views of the lake, and the fluttering prayer flags add a beautiful touch to the scenery. Sitting on the rocky reef below the cliff, contemplating the wonders and harmony of nature's creation, one is bound to feel a surge of emotions about the harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity.

Attractions Location: Lugu Lake Scenic Area, Lugu Lake Town, Yanyuan County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Transportation:
Self-driving: Lijiang Ancient Town - Lining Highway - Lugu Lake Avenue - Ninglu Highway - Yongning Line - End

Time reference: Less than 1 hour


Recommended itinerary for Luyuan Cliff tours

1‑Day Itinerary: Luyuan Cliff Panorama & Sunrise View

Head to Luyuan Cliff for panoramic views over Lugu Lake’s clear water and mystical cliff face.

  • Morning: Arrive at Lugu Lake Wharf or nearby Daluoshui Village, then take taxi or shared ride (~20 minutes, ¥40–60) to Luyuan Cliff.
  • Walk the observation platform and hillside (~10–20 minutes), view prayer flags, mani piles, and source outflow of Lugu Lake.
  • Late morning: Continue panoramic viewing, photo stops.
  • Lunch: Lakeside restaurant near Daluoshui, local trout and wild mushroom dishes.
  • Afternoon: Return to Lugu Lake Town (~20 min) and stroll the town center or relax lakeside.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Wendeng Lake Town or lakeside boutique inn near Daluoshui. Food: grilled lake fish, buckwheat pancakes, Mosuo-style snacks.

Souvenirs: Mini prayer flags, lake-view postcards, Mosuo silver jewelry.


2‑Day Itinerary: Luyuan Cliff & Lakeside Highlights

Blend the cliff with other iconic lakeside stops for a fuller Lugu experience.

  • Day 1: Follow the 1‑day itinerary.
  • Day 2:
    • 08:30 – Drive or bike from Town to Goddess Bay (Zuoqiwan) (~30 min). Walk the lakeshore and photograph the sunset viewpoint.
    • Midday – Lunch at Caohai-side café.
    • Afternoon – Visit Walking Marriage Bridge & Caohai Wetlands (~10 min taxi), stroll the bridge and enjoy reed sea views.
    • Evening – Return lakeside for sunset by cliff or tea.

Accommodation/Food: Lakeside guesthouse near Caohai or Lugu Lake Town. Food: yak butter tea, grilled corn, local trout.

Souvenirs: Wetland reed crafts, embroidered scarves, local honey products.


3‑Day Itinerary: Cliff, Islands & Cultural Museum

Add island exploration and Mosuo cultural immersion.

  • Days 1–2: Follow above itinerary.
  • Day 3:
    • 09:00 – Boat to Princess Island (Aodao Island) (~30 min, ¥50–80). Enjoy hiking or rest.
    • 12:30 – Lunch on island or back in Lige Village.
    • 14:00 – Visit Mosuo Village/Museum in Lige or Daluoshui (~15 min taxi each), learn about matriarchal customs and culture.
    • Evening – Return to cliff for sunset over lake and colored flags.

Accommodation/Food: Boutique lodge on Luowa Peninsula or Lige Village. Try Mosuo stew, millet wine, dried fruit desserts.

Souvenirs: Mosuo calligraphy, embroidered fabrics, seed jewelry.


4‑Day Itinerary: Cliff to Gemu Mountain & Fire Dance

Combine spiritual mountain views and evening Mosuo cultural show.

  • Days 1–3: As above.
  • Day 4:
    • 08:30 – Taxi to Gemu Goddess Mountain cable station (~40 min). Ride (~¥110) to summit; walk the sacred path and enjoy sweeping views and the new “sky mirror” platform.
    • 13:00 – Lunch near village café.
    • 16:00 – Return to cliff for late afternoon tranquility.
    • 19:00 – Watch Mosuo bonfire dance at Luowa or Lige Village (seasonal/¥15 entry).

Accommodation/Food: Lake-view resort or hillside lodge. Dine on grilled yak, local vegetable hotpot, and tea wine.

Souvenirs: Festival dolls, shadow puppets, mountain herbal tea.


5‑Day Itinerary: Full Lugu Lake Loop Including Luyuan Cliff

A comprehensive cycle or drive loop around Lugu Lake including the cliff and cultural sites.

  • Days 1–4: As above.
  • Day 5:
    • 08:00 – Bike or hire car around the Lugu Lake ring road: Daluoshui → Lover’s Beach (Sichuan side) → Luyuan Cliff → Dazu Bay → Lover’s Beach (Yunnan side) → Walking Marriage Bridge -> return. (~76 km loop, full day)

Accommodation/Food: Return to your favorite lodge. Sample roasted trout near sunset, buckwheat noodles, yak cheese.

Souvenirs: Cycling route prints, clay model boats, herbal balms.


6‑Day Itinerary: Cultural Workshops & Stargazing by the Cliff

Experience local crafts and evening sky watching at the cliff.

  • Days 1–5: Use previous itineraries.
  • Day 6:
    • 10:00 – Join a Mosuo weaving or embroidery workshop in Lige or Daluoshui (1–2 hrs).
    • 13:00 – Lunch with workshop host.
    • 15:00 – Return to Luyuan Cliff, hike ecological slope, then relax at pavilion.
    • Evening – Stargaze from the cliff’s viewpoint (clear skies, minimal light pollution).

Accommodation/Food: Eco-lodge with stargazing deck. Enjoy tea and herbal desserts with the host.

Souvenirs: Hand-stitched patches, scenic stargazing maps, herbal tea samples.


7‑Day Itinerary: Nature, Culture & Full Relaxation

A relaxing week blending the best of lake nature, cliff panoramas, community interaction, and cultural depth around Luyuan Cliff.

  • Days 1–6: Follow above itineraries.
  • Day 7:
    • Morning: Leisure walk to nearby Mini-peak near cliff for photo-worthy views.
    • Noon: Final lakeside lunch and tea by cliff.
    • Afternoon: Visit local craft market near Daluoshui or Lige to pick souvenirs.
    • Evening: Depart to Lugu Lake Town and onward transport to Yanyuan or Xichang (~2 hrs).

Accommodation/Food: Final night at cliff-facing hotel. Enjoy farewell meal of fish soup, yak butter tea desserts, and wine from local village.

Souvenirs: Framed lake photography, Mosuo textile wraps, cliff-view postcards, herbal balms.


User Reviews

By Rabbit Xiaobai |

Luyuan Cliff is the outlet of Lugu Lake's groundwater. The sheer rock formations create a unique landscape. Sitting on the reef beneath the cliff, contemplating the wonder and harmony of nature's creation, one is bound to experience a surge of emotions about the harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. Lugu Lake has a total volume of 1.953 billion cubic meters, exceeding Dianchi Lake in Yunnan. Besides rainfall and spring water from Sichuan, the lake's main source of water is its own groundwater.

By Lee Mi-ji |

Luyuan Cliff is a scenic spot where you can drive up to it. Many people take photos with their cars.

At Luyuan Cliff, you can see the panoramic view of Lugu Lake and the Goddess Gemu Mountain.

A little further ahead from Luyuan Cliff, there is a place full of prayer flags, and local residents also hold sacrifices here.

It is said that the purpose of the five-colored prayer flags is to pray for good fortune and prosperity, and to eliminate disasters. This area is quite large.

By Potter_Yang |

Luyuanya is a small hillside near Dazu Village. The driver said his wedding photos were taken here. There are Mani piles and colorful prayer flags here. When I asked the driver, he told me that the Naxi and Mosuo people who live on the shores of Lugu Lake also practice Tibetan Buddhism. It's said that the outlet of Lugu Lake is located below Luyuanya. Standing on this prominent cliff, you can see more than just a 180-degree view of the lake. The view is even wider, and the deep lake is truly captivating.

By Metasequoia |

This is the source of Lugu Lake and its deepest point, reaching over 90 meters. The sheer cliffs here create a unique landscape. Located on the Sichuan-Yunnan Highway, on the Sichuan side of the plateau, it offers a large panoramic viewing platform, offering panoramic views of Lugu Lake and its most beautiful waters. Chartered cars or bicycles will take you past this spot, and it's also a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts like rock climbing and extreme diving. A massive Mani pile perched on the cliff, entwined with countless prayer flags, stands out beautifully against the blue sky, making it a perfect spot for photography. Sitting on the rocky reef below the cliff, contemplating the wonders and harmony of nature's creation, one is sure to be filled with nostalgic emotions about the harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity.

By velahuang |

The Luyuan Cliff we arrived at next was unexpectedly small. It was just a small high cliff on the side of the road, covered with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. However, the feeling of looking at Lugu Lake from a high place was unique.

By hyacinth! |

Luyuanya is the outlet of the groundwater of Lugu Lake. The cliffs here are as sharp as a knife, and the landscape is unique.

By Sanjiang Idlers |

This is a great place to enjoy the scenery of Lugu Lake from a high vantage point. You will definitely not regret going there.

By wenson_Wen Ning |

There is a protruding rock on the Luyuanya viewing platform, which is usually used for taking photos of the back.

By Shen Ersan |

If I remember correctly, there should be sheep. It is a very Tibetan-style sacrificial pile. It is located on a relatively high ground with a good view. However, parking is not very convenient.

By Poetry & Fang |

Not bad, suitable for taking pictures, but there is no water outlet on the map

By Cinderella |

Luyuan Cliff is the outlet of Lugu Lake's groundwater. There's an observation deck on the cliff offering a breathtaking view of the lake, and the fluttering prayer flags create another breathtaking scene. Since I could only look down from the top, I didn't really get to see the view from below.

By Cat Fairy |

We passed by Luyuan Cliff, where the groundwater of Lugu Lake is located. There is an observation deck on the cliff overlooking Lugu Lake, and the fluttering prayer flags are also a beautiful sight. Because the sun was too glaring, we left after a short walk. I felt that this was a place that could be photographed.

By Twisted Ji Xin |

Luyuan Cliff is the source of Lugu Lake, with a height of 2,722 meters. In fact, you can't see the real source here, but it is a viewing platform from which you can overlook Lugu Lake from another angle, and there are many prayer flags for blessings.

By The turtle crawls slowly |

It is said that Luyuan Cliff is the source of Lugu Lake and the outlet of groundwater. From a scenic point of view, it is a highland covered with prayer flags. It is very messy, so there is no highlight.

By Aqr |

This is the place where I always wanted to take pictures at Luyuan Cliff. It is full of prayer flags with blessings written on them. However, this is a place where taking pictures is prohibited because it is written on the railing that you cannot enter. But in order to take pictures, I secretly climbed in.

By Insomnia C |

Prayer flags can be seen everywhere. There are also prayer flags and mud piles nearby. You can see the Mosuo people praying here. Taking photos with the prayer flags is also a good choice...

By Taoyuan Valley Master |

A very high cliff protruding from the cliff. Very spectacular!

There are also many long ribbons with blessing words like those of the Tibetan people.

By QLX🍅 |

Luyuan Cliff, also known as the Big Fish Outlet, is the source of Lugu Lake. Its sheer cliffs create a unique landscape. There's an observation deck overlooking the lake, and the fluttering prayer flags add a beautiful touch. Due to the rain, we left without stopping.

By Liny﹎❀ |

Luyuan Cliff, one of the sources of Lugu Lake. We arrived at sunset, so we couldn't see the beautiful scenery, but the wind was very strong.

By Walking Flora |

There is an outlet at Luyuanya that continuously flows groundwater into Lugu Lake. The prayer flags fluttering in the wind are awe-inspiring.

By Stay in summer |

Beautiful highlands, a must-see around the lake, like it

By Orange Deer |

The guide said that Luyuanya is the outlet of the groundwater of Lugu Lake, which is also the source. These sharp cliffs are very unique, but also very dangerous. They are all blocked, so you must be very careful and it is best not to go there by yourself.

By Cindy is the Seventh Fairy |

This viewpoint is characterized by colorful prayer flags. I prefer natural landscapes.

By ~ya |

Walk around the platform three times clockwise and make a wish. It will come true, but don’t wish for getting rich overnight, it’s too difficult. . .

By MILO |

The penultimate stop of this Lugu Lake tour is said to be the water inlet of Lugu Lake. There is a cliff by the lake with a stone pagoda and prayer flags. The terrain is very high and you can have a bird's eye view of Lugu Lake. The best time to take pictures is in the morning because the best scenery is on the west side. Taking pictures in the afternoon is very uncomfortable due to the backlight.

By Zheng Zizai |

If the weather is good and sunny, it's great. If it's rainy or cloudy, there's nothing to see.

By A homegirl who loves traveling |

The scenery of Lugu Lake is very good. However, it has been overdeveloped in recent years and the scenery is almost gone.

By _____ Ugly |

The scenery is beautiful, really, I want to go there again,

By Snufkin |

Luyuan Cliff is the outlet of Lugu Lake's groundwater. The cliffs here are as sharp as a knife, and I couldn't stay there for too long due to excessive exposure to the sun.

By Gong Yong |

The outlet of Lugu Lake's groundwater, where you can get a glimpse of Lugu Lake.

By Merck needs to keep a low profile |

It takes 15 minutes to walk around the lake, and the water outlet is actually not obvious.

By Lorina |

The place where Lugu Lake emerges from the water is a must-see in Sichuan. It is great, the location is a high point, and the scenery is nice.

By Tianya |

It is the water replenishment place of Lugu Lake and the outlet of groundwater. You have to row a boat to see it.

By Mingyueji |

Although it is not a high dirt slope, I still experienced mild altitude sickness, with rapid heartbeat and weak legs. It is recommended that you go as slowly as possible and don't treat it as climbing a slope at home.

By Gui |

The viewing platform on Luyuan Cliff overlooks the beautiful scenery of Lugu Lake.

By Mo and Qingyou |

The most beautiful Lugu Lake, every place has a different scenery

By Perylene |

A scenic spot around Lugu Lake, the environment is very good, and the scenery is everywhere.

By ZX passing by |

The wind here is very strong and the scenery is so beautiful.

By Peng & Mai |

Luyuan Cliff, also known as the Water Outlet Cave, is said to be the source of all the clear water of Lugu Lake, which flows out from this cave continuously. This is our penultimate attraction, which almost surrounds three-quarters of the lake area. We were tired and had no desire to take out our camera. The viewing platform of the Water Outlet Cave is a small mound. We just couldn't see the Water Outlet Cave when we climbed up, so we didn't take it seriously. We just admired Lugu Lake in general. We happened to meet some fellow hikers who wanted to go to Daocheng Yading and had a small chat with the driver.

By Insects |

Lugu Lake comes from underground springs. The spring outlet is located below Luyuan Cliff. There is a simple sign, but it is actually nothing to see.

By |

Luyuan Cliff Travelogue feels that this thing is very subtle. It doesn't just come when you ask for it. It comes when you want it, and once it comes, you can't refuse it. In the evening, the passionate and rough Guozhuang dance ignited the passion that was gradually fading.

By Follow me everywhere |

Luyuan Cliff is located in Lugu Lake (east of Xiaoluoshui Village), Yanyuan County, Liangshan City, Sichuan Province. As the name suggests, it is the source of Lugu Lake, where the water of Lugu Lake originates.

At the Luyuan Cliff viewing platform, there is a Mani pile in the center, with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind around it. The surrounding area is filled with the smoke of burning incense and the rich fragrance of cypress branches.

By Elephant |

You can go there when you circle the lake. Cycling around the lake is also quite nice.

By … |

The combination of cliffs and lake water makes the colors very rich, and it is very convenient to stop and take pictures

By Safina |

On the way to Liwubi Temple, you can see the beautiful colors of the lake and the scenery is also very good.

By The only |

The driver stopped halfway to let us take pictures, which was a pleasant surprise. Luyuanya is very beautiful and has a lot of flavor.

By Yiyi |

The scenery of Lugu Lake is very beautiful. Every place is very romantic and full of love legends.

By Miss Courage |

Because the mountains obscure the view, the sunset in Nisai Village is early. On the way back to Caohai, I was able to catch a glimpse of the last rays of the setting sun as I passed by Luyuan Cliff. The effort paid off, as the sunset blazed the sky red, and the lake, which had been so clear and lovely just moments before, now seemed to be on fire, reflected by the fiery clouds.

By WANG |

We hiked around Lugu Lake and spent a long time at Luyuan Cliff, which has a rich history and beautiful scenery.

By Christina |

It is also called the Water Cave. The view from above is very beautiful. There is also a small stone hill on top, where you can take a close-up photo of the Goddess Mountain.

By windl |

On the way around the lake, the driver told us about the outlet of Lugu Lake. After climbing up, we learned it's called Luyuan Cliff. The view of Lugu Lake from this vantage point is truly breathtaking. The water at the outlet is a beautiful, clear, deep blue. The wind is strong here, and the prayer flags rustling on the mani piles are a beautiful sight.

By minkou |

It is a must-see when you go around the lake. There are also prayer flags on it.

By Light rain on Tianjie |

Standing here, you can see Lugu Lake very clearly.

By David_Gu |

It's great, but a little hard to find, you have to go up a hill.

By DESTINY |

This is the outlet of Lugu Lake's groundwater

By Peter Pan's Fairy Tale |

Before reaching Xiaoluoshui and Dazui Village, the water along the lake is incredibly layered, originating from Luyuan Cliff, the source of Lugu Lake. This is a large, panoramic viewing platform, offering the most beautiful views of Lugu Lake. Look out for a small hillside with a mani pile and numerous prayer flags. To the right, you can see Xiaoluoshui and Goddess Mountain, while to the left, you can overlook the bay below – absolutely stunning! Be sure to walk along the edge; there are several paths leading down, offering stunning views.

By steelmaking furnace |

It is said to be an important water source of Lugu Lake. It is located next to the highway around the lake, so just take a look.

By ben021005 |

Before reaching Xiaoluoshui and Dazui Village, the water along the lake is incredibly layered, originating from Luyuan Cliff, the source of Lugu Lake. This is a large, panoramic viewing platform, offering the most beautiful views of Lugu Lake. Look out for a small hillside with a mani pile and numerous prayer flags. To the right, you can see Xiaoluoshui and Goddess Mountain, and to the left, you can overlook the bay below. It's absolutely stunning! Be sure to walk along the edge; there are several paths leading down, and the views are stunning. At the bottom, I was surprised to find cattle grazing there. Lol.

By ximen_lxy |

The environment is very good and the scenery is nice. It is worth a visit.

By Rushing River |

Nice scenery, worth recommending, beautiful scenery, a must-see attraction

By Released |

I don't recommend this scene. The overall feeling is not as good as the previous Lover's Beach.

By Tiantian |

It is said to be the source of Lugu Lake, but now you can no longer see the water flowing out from there.

By Guo Ge |

After walking for an hour and a half... I was exhausted...

By opposition parties |

Looking down at Luyuanya from a bird's eye view, the quiet water surface in front of the cliffs reaches the extreme of lyricism.

By Cat Girl |

It is facing the Goddess Mountain and is a must-go place when chartering a car around the lake, so you must go!

The source of such a beautiful Lugu Lake is right under this cliff. It’s amazing to think about it.

The azure lake in front of me is the most beautiful gift from nature. Sometimes I really feel at a loss for words and don’t know how to describe the scene before my eyes.

The man who chartered the car with us was a middle-aged man who had just returned from Kanas. We asked him which was more beautiful, Lugu Lake or Kanas. He said, "Both are beautiful, but in different ways, so it's hard to compare. Kanas's beauty is breathtaking, while Lugu Lake is a place of tranquility and peace."

Actually, what the uncle said is very good. Beauty is different from beauty. How can there be any comparison?

By Crazy Stone |

Luyuanya is the border between Sichuan and Yunnan. After sunrise, the beautiful light and shadows on the hillside are truly captivating. However, parking can be difficult during peak tourist season, so hiking is recommended. Otherwise, traffic jams can easily occur. (Maintaining a peaceful and comfortable environment for Lugu Lake is also the responsibility of every tourist, isn't it?)

By Heykristina |

The scenery is very good and very nice. There are very few tourists taking photos. It is also very beautiful.

By sand. |

We chartered a boat, which cost about 15 yuan per person, which was not bad!

By Mango |

The view is very wide, you can see half of the lake, very nice

By Shuhe Xiangyangju Inn |

Such a beautiful and magical place, you have to go and see it once

By Traveling the World |

It is said that this is the source of Lugu Lake. The scenery is beautiful, but I was very tired when I got here.

By A Jiang |

Lu Yuanya, a panoramic view at a glance

By It was a coincidence that I met Li |

The scenery of Luyuanya is pretty good, the scenery is beautiful, the air is fresh, it's a beautiful place

By 123 |

This is the source of Lugu Lake. The mountains here are very high and there is a large panoramic viewing platform where you can see the whole picture of Shennv Mountain and Lugu Lake.

By Orange, chestnut, pear |

There are some weathered stones on top, and there are many prayer flags.


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