Goddess Cave in Lugu Lake, Lijiang
Overview
Near the summit of Goddess Mountain (女神山), there lies a limestone cave known as the Goddess Cave (女神洞), which the Mosuo (摩梭) people refer to as Gemuniko Cave (格姆尼可洞). “Gemuniko” translates to “the place where the goddess resides.” This cave is a popular pilgrimage site, adorned with colorful prayer flags at its entrance. Inside, the cave is vast and maze-like, filled with numerous passages and stunning stalactites, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Situated at an altitude of 3,450 meters, the Goddess Cave is a revered sacred site for the Mosuo people. Each year, on the 25th day of the seventh lunar month during the Mosuo Turning Mountain Festival (摩梭转山节), the Mosuo people climb Goddess Mountain and enter the cave to pay homage to the statue of the Goddess Gemun (格姆女神).
Location
Goddess Cave, also known as “Goddess Palace” (女神宫), is located at the “neck” of Lion Mountain (狮子山) at an altitude of 3,450 meters (the main peak reaches 3,770 meters). The entrance faces Lugu Lake (泸沽湖), and visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake from the viewing platform in front of the cave, making it an ideal spot for photos. The viewing platform is surrounded by wind chimes, allowing tourists to make wishes and seek blessings from the Goddess Gemun. According to local Mosuo beliefs, praying to the goddess for children or safety is particularly effective.
Cave Description
Stepping into the cave reveals a different world. The cave is interlinked with other chambers, creating a sense of mystery. Natural stalactites form fantastical shapes resembling structures from different realms: the underworld, the human world, and heaven. Visitors can find representations of the goddess granting water, a goddess statue, and mythological figures such as Tang Seng (唐僧) and the Monkey King (齐天大圣). Other formations include a python emerging from a cave, sea conch stones, towering pillars, and even symbolic representations of fertility. The statue of the goddess inside the cave is remarkably detailed, featuring a head, face, eyes, nose, and mouth, leaving visitors in awe.
The Goddess’s Blessing Pool
According to legend, a young couple who were unable to conceive sought blessings from the Goddess Gemun. After drinking the sacred water from the goddess, they miraculously became pregnant that very year. Drinking from the Goddess’s pool is believed to dispel disasters, cure illnesses, and extend one’s lifespan, ensuring a peaceful life.
Key Attractions
- Goddess Cave (女神洞)
- Goddess Mountain (女神山)
- Lugu Lake (泸沽湖)
- Lion Mountain (狮子山)
- Blessing Pool (女神赐水池)
Summary
Visitors to the Goddess Cave often leave in awe, carrying memories of Lugu Lake’s beauty and the intriguing matriarchal society of the Mosuo people. Standing at the stunning 3,680-meter tall Goddess Mountain, the cave remains a choice spot for photographers. While many locals know about the cave, few have ventured inside, making it a unique experience for travelers.
How to Get There
- From Lijiang Airport (丽江机场): Take a taxi or bus to Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县), and then hire a local guide or taxi to reach Goddess Mountain.
- By Bus: Regular buses run from Lijiang to Ninglang, from which you can take a taxi to the mountain.
Travel Tips
- Altitude Awareness: Be prepared for high altitude; consider acclimatizing before the hike.
- Weather Preparedness: Check weather conditions before your visit, as temperatures can vary significantly.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of the cultural significance of the site and the local traditions.
- Hydration: Carry water, especially during hikes, as it can be dry at high altitudes.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the cave and the surrounding landscape, but be respectful of sacred spaces.
