After years of continued improvements, the Lugu Lake scenic site is expected to pass the examinations and become a national 5A site, the highest level in the country, by the end of year, according to a recent tourism development work conference of Liangshan Yi prefecture.

At 2,685 meters above sea level, the alpine Lugu Lake forms the border of Yanyuan county in Sichuan and Ninglang county in Yunnan and is under the joint jurisdiction of the two provinces.

The scenic site built around it has seen growing popularity among tourists since assuming national 4A status nine years ago. In 2016 the scenic site attracted 890,000 international tourists with its unspoiled natural environment and the unique culture of Mosuo People, an ethnic tribe that still hold traditions and customs of matriarchal society.

Prompted by the increasing demands of incoming tourists in recent years, the scenic site took a series of measures to improve the infrastructures and services including massive road network accessibility projects.

The protection of the unique Mosuo culture was enhanced by building culture and art museums, designating cultural heritage inheritors, and supporting entrepreneurship among families and individuals.

A range of cultural products were published to promote local culture including books documenting Mosuo traditions, folk song albums and video contents. Sports events were organized there for years, including Lugu Lake regatta, Tour of Lugu Lake cycling race and hiking around the lake area, using the attractive natural landscape as the setting.