The Mosuo People of Lugu Lake
By the beautiful shores of Lugu Lake and under the watch of Goddess Gemu Mountain, the Mosuo people exist as a mysterious and unique culture that has endured for a thousand years. Much of the world’s attention has been drawn to their walking marriage customs, often out of curiosity, leading to many misconceptions. This summer, a team of fourteen members from the Earth Science Expedition Club of China University of Geosciences (Beijing) ventured deep into the Lugu Lake area to explore the cultural changes experienced by the Mosuo under the influence of tourism development. This isolated matriarchal tribe has finally begun to unveil its mysteries to us.
After a good rest at the stopover station, the team set off again toward that day’s destination: Yubeng Village. The path ahead was all downhill, offering clearer views of the long-awaited snow-capped mountains. In the distance, one could see the glaciers on the mountains, with the sacred snow peaks hidden among the clouds. Soaring clouds, silvery snow, lush forests, and towering peaks merged into one, while funnel-shaped glaciers hung halfway down the mountain. As they admired the breathtaking scenery, the team unknowingly arrived at Upper Yubeng Village. With ample time left, most team members, after a short rest at their lodge, decided to go and see the Sacred Waterfall with just light gear.
The trail led through pristine forests with limitless natural beauty. Upon reaching the rest stop 1.7 kilometers from the Sacred Waterfall, everyone was awestruck by the view before them—the serene peak of Mt. Meyamu stood tall, flanked eternally by the Five-Crowned Peak. Locals call the Five-Crowned Peak “Jiwa Ren’an,” which, according to Tibetan legend, is the loyal guard of Princess Meyamu. And so this beautiful legend flows with the glacial meltwater to every corner of the world. Holiness is the heartfelt exclamation of everyone who sees her for the first time. Due to time constraints and weather conditions, the team had to stop 1.7 kilometers short of the Sacred Waterfall. Those 1.7 kilometers held regret, but even more so, a deep reverence for the sacred mountain—a feeling that it is best admired from afar.
Yubeng is a place that can capture your heart completely. When it came time to leave the next day, it was truly hard to do so. Yet, with backpacks on their shoulders, the surrounding beauty served to nourish the spirit rather than weigh them down. To keep moving forward is the spirit of the scientific expedition team.
Exiting Yubeng, the team took the Niyong Grand Canyon route. The path was about a meter wide, with a hundred-meter cliff and roaring river on the right. When horse caravans passed by, team members had to stand close to the mountain wall and wait for the horses to go by before continuing. Throughout the journey, the team leader proceeded with caution, and everyone helped one another. Around 2 p.m., they safely reached the trek’s endpoint—Niyong. Tired and hot, they really wished for a bottle of Ice Sprite to celebrate the success of the expedition team’s trek.
Finally, thanks to the support from the University Youth League Committee and the Sports Department of China University of Geosciences (Beijing) for the activity, and special thanks to Big Pack, Nitecore, MBC, Aluke, Green Jungle, Outdoor Help, Huachen Beidou, and Lvye for their strong backing of this university summer practice program.
Introduction to the 2016 Scientific Expedition Team of the Earth Science Club, China University of Geosciences (Beijing)
On March 24, 2016, the scientific expedition team officially began recruiting members from across the university. Based on one month of trial training performance and assessment results, the final team members were selected, and the team was officially established on April 25. Afterward, the team continuously prepared for the smooth execution of the scientific expedition and successfully applied to become a social practice group under the university. This activity will take the team to Lugu Lake to conduct a thematic research project titled “Tourism Development and Changes in Folk Customs—A Case Study of Mosuo Villages at Lugu Lake” and complete the circumambulation trek around Mount Meili. This trek route passes through large areas of impoverished regions, and while immersing ourselves in local life, we will also attempt to identify potential public welfare projects that can be carried out after the summer activities. This activity design aims to help team members establish deep connections with the places they visit, discover themselves, stimulate thought, engage with society, care for others, and experience the spirit of outdoor adventure. At the same time, the establishment of the scientific expedition team will inject new vitality into the Earth Science Club, becoming another flagship activity alongside mountaineering and cycling, and will also help accumulate experience for the revival of mountaineering-related scientific expeditions.