Goddess Gemu Mountain

Goddess Gemu Mountain

Goddess Gemu Mountain Goddess Gemu Mountain, with an altitude of 3,754.7 meters, is the tallest peak surrounding Lugu Lake. From the ancient pilgrimage path behind Dazu Naxi Village, passing through the cypress forest, you can reach the summit where the Goddess Temple and Goddess Cave are situated. In Mosuo mythology, this mountain is the embodiment of Goddess Gemu. Shaped like a crescent, Lugu Lake reveals its full panoramic beauty only when viewed from the summit of Goddess Mountain. During the annual Pilgrimage Festival, Mosuo people ascend the mountain to worship the goddess. From the mountaintop to its base, processions of worshippers form vibrant, colorful dragons, while chants of the “Goddess Song” echo through the sky. Among China’s numerous famous mountains, Goddess Gemu Mountain stands out with its unique representation of the unity between heaven and humanity.

Goddess Gemu Mountain stands to the north of Lugu Lake. With its majestic and towering presence, it overlooks the narrow, elongated fertile island (Lige Island) that extends from the northeast into the lake, resembling a “golden otter fishing” or a dragon chasing pearls in the lake.

The most spectacular view of Goddess Gemu Mountain is from afar. Standing at a distance across the mirror-like, beautiful Lugu Lake, the grand and lofty Goddess Gemu Mountain appears as if one has entered a divine realm.

The water here is so crystal clear, the plants and trees so lush and vibrant, and the air so fresh and natural—emanating the mysterious and pristine aura of nature. It deeply touches every visitor who comes from near and far.

Goddess Gemu Mountain is also called Lion Mountain. In the Mosuo language, it is called “Gemu,” and in Tibetan, “Sengge Gemu.” “Sengge” means lion, and “Gemu” means white goddess. The Mosuo people deify Gemu Mountain, regarding it as the embodiment of femininity, and they worship it devoutly. On the 25th day of the seventh lunar month each year, the entire community holds a grand festival to worship the goddess, a tradition with a history of over a thousand years.

Also known as Lion Mountain, Goddess Gemu Mountain is a sacred mountain of the Mosuo people located by Lugu Lake. Aside from visiting the plateau’s pearl—the vast lake—Goddess Gemu Mountain is a top highlight of Lugu Lake tourism. Lijiang Jinsha Travel’s Lugu Lake tour routes also include a visit to Goddess Gemu Mountain. The Lugu Lake area is home to a multi-ethnic population, including Han, Tibetan, Naxi Mosuo, and Yi peoples, hence the mountain has various names. Goddess Gemu Mountain is higher in the south and lower in the north, with a distinct grayish-white hue, though it turns green when covered with vegetation. Its main peak, also named Gemu, has an elevation of 3,754 meters and rises about 1,000 meters above the lake surface, making it a very high mountain. The mountain is shaped strikingly like a lion, which is why it is also called “Lion Mountain.”

For thousands of years, Goddess Gemu Mountain has been worshipped by the local people of Lugu Lake, and it has only been developed for tourism in recent years. Today, Goddess Gemu Mountain has become a major highlight of Lugu Lake tourism. Lijiang Jinsha Travel’s Lugu Lake tour packages include a visit to the mountain. Visitors can take a cable car up the mountain to enter the Goddess Cave beneath Goddess Peak. The Goddess Cave is located at the “neck” of Lion Mountain, at an elevation of 3,450 meters. The cave entrance faces Lugu Lake, and from the viewing platform at the mouth of the cave, you can frame the lake in your heart once again from a different perspective. Inside the cave, under the dim glow of colored lights, the stalactites appear surreal and fantastical. The true visage of Goddess Gemu is revealed after climbing just a few steps, existing not only in the hearts of the Mosuo people but also taking on a vivid form within the cave. At this moment, the image of the goddess is engraved even more deeply in the footsteps of every devout visitor.

American scholar Joseph Rock described it in his book *The Ancient Na-Khi Kingdom of Southwest China*: “Lion Mountain is the most prominent feature of Yongning’s scenery. The name is fitting, as the mountain truly resembles a sleeping lion, its head facing the lake, and its sloping ridges like the lion’s paws resting in the green waters.”

Address: Xiaoluoshui Village, Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang City (north of Lige Village)

Type: Cave Mountain

Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours

Phone: 4000998998

Opening Hours:

Cable Car Operating Hours: 8:30–17:30

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Admission is included in the Lugu Lake scenic area ticket, but you must take the cable car to go up the mountain. The round-trip cable car fare is 110 RMB.

Transportation

You can hike or take a chartered vehicle to get there. To ascend the mountain, you need to take the cable car from Naisai Village.