LaLa's Summer at Lugu Lake: A Yunnan Wedding Journey with the "Crazy Squad"

Simple, Free, Happy
Weibo: @ZY_FC @Super王拉拉拉

Foreword: When Dreams Meet Lugu Lake

Yunnan—a land blessed by nature—has a way of weaving vibrant colors and mystical vibes together in an almost extravagant manner. And Lugu Lake, like a sapphire embedded in the colorful clouds of the south, lies quietly cradled by surrounding mountains, waiting for every soul yearning for purity.

Back in college, I had several classmates from Yunnan. During casual chats, they would vividly describe their hometown's landscapes—from Kunming's temperate climate to Dali's Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, and further to Shangri-La's snow-capped peaks and sacred lakes. Those stories took root in my heart like seeds, but it wasn't until many years later that I finally set foot on this land. In July 2014, during an ordinary yet destined summer, our "Crazy Squad" finally embarked on our journey.

A wedding dress—perhaps the softest dream in every girl's heart. For LaLa, this dream needed a special stage—a poetic, timeless place where eternity could be captured. And Lugu Lake was the answer. Imagine standing by the shore in the morning mist, the lake merging with the sky, wearing a white gown as the breeze gently lifts the hem. In that moment, time seems to stand still. That was exactly the picture we wanted.

A Perfect Match: Meeting Liduo, Meeting Artistic Souls

Once the destination was set, the next question was: who would capture these beautiful moments for us? Through a friend's recommendation, we got to know Xiao Bai and Er Gou from Liduo Vision—a pair of post-80s artistic young couple who met on Douban (a Chinese social platform). Their work always carries an indescribable tenderness and romance. Every time we talked with them and listened to their creative visions, I couldn't help but marvel: how can life be so beautiful for them?

Coincidentally, it was Xiao Bai and Er Gou who sparked my "crazy obsession" with photography. From choosing camera gear and lenses to improving composition techniques, they never tired of guiding me. The chemistry between us felt like old friends reuniting after years apart—an instant connection. So we brought along EVA, our all-in-one makeup artist, and invited another couple, Lao B and Jin Jin—forming a team of seven, this "Crazy Squad" set off on our Yunnan wedding journey.

PS: The photos in this article are a mix—some are the official wedding shots taken by Xiao Bai and Er Gou, while others are candid behind-the-scenes snaps by me and EVA. Hope you enjoy them despite the imperfections—grin and bear it!

Departure! The Summer Prelude of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County

Our destination was Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, where Lugu Lake lies. On July 24, 2014, we officially set out, planning an 8-day trip filled with laughter and tears. The per-person cost varied based on preferences, but the memories this journey gave us were priceless.

Leaving the city, we headed westward. The scenery outside the window gradually shifted from towering skyscrapers to连绵 mountains. The air grew fresher, the sky bluer—as if telling us: Lugu Lake is just ahead. By the time we reached Ninglang, it was already evening. The Yi village nestled quietly in the valley, with wisps of cooking smoke rising and occasional dog barks breaking the silence. We checked into a lakeside guesthouse. Opening the window, we could see the shimmering waves of Lugu Lake. In that moment, all our fatigue melted away.

Summer at Lugu Lake: A Feast for the Eyes and Soul

Water Lilies and Lake Views

In July, Lugu Lake is in full bloom with water lilies (水性杨花, literally "water-natured, willow-like flowers"). These delicate white flowers float on the crystal-clear lake surface, drifting with the waves like spirits of the water. Locals told us that July and August are the best times to see them, while around November, flocks of seagulls arrive for winter—a completely different spectacle. We had come at just the right time. Every morning, we could see countless white blossoms dotting the lake, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds in the water—a breathtaking sight.

Wedding Shoot: Capturing Eternity in Nature

During those few days of shooting, we explored almost every corner of Lugu Lake. From the observation deck at Lige Peninsula to the "Walking Marriage Bridge" (Zouhun Qiao) in the Grass Sea, and the sunset at Goddess Bay—every scenic spot became our backdrop. Xiao Bai and Er Gou acted like directors, guiding us into various poses. LaLa, in her white gown, stood on a lakeside rock as the wind lifted her veil—at that moment, she truly looked like a fairy. Meanwhile, EVA worked like a magician, touching up our makeup and fixing our hair at a moment's notice, ensuring every shot was flawless.

The most unforgettable moment was shooting the sunset at Goddess Bay. The sunset painted the entire sky in shades of orange and red, turning the lake into gold. We stood by the shore, holding hands, watching the sun slowly sink behind the mountains. Xiao Bai pressed the shutter, capturing that instant. When we later saw the finished photos, I almost cried—the beauty was beyond words.

Behind-the-Scenes Laughter: Daily Life of the Squad

Apart from the formal wedding photos, EVA and I also took plenty of candid shots. Lao B and Jin Jin, the resident goofballs, always managed to create laughs. Once, on the Walking Marriage Bridge, they tried to imitate the traditional Mosuo dance but exaggerated their moves so much they almost fell into the lake. Another time, during a lakeside picnic, Er Gou suddenly proposed a game of "Truth or Dare," and soon everyone was doubled over with laughter. These seemingly trivial moments were the most precious part of the trip.

Practical Tips: For Those Planning a Trip to Lugu Lake

If you're also planning a visit to Lugu Lake, here are some suggestions that might help:

• Best Season: March to June is the most beautiful time, with pleasant weather and flowers in bloom everywhere. July and August, though rainy, offer the chance to see water lilies, which has its own charm. Around November, flocks of seagulls arrive, perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts.
• Driving Principle: Safety first! Safety first! Safety first! Important things must be repeated three times. The mountain roads have many curves—drive cautiously.
• Ticket Purchase: If entering from Sichuan, follow the "中国四川泸沽湖" (China Sichuan Lugu Lake) WeChat public account; if entering from Yunnan, follow the "泸沽湖景区" (Lugu Lake Scenic Area) official account. From April 20 to December 31, 2020, tickets were half price at only 35 RMB (check real-time information for current policies).
• Essentials: ID card, sunglasses, sunscreen (UV rays are extremely strong), comfortable shoes (lakeside walks are common).
• Trip Duration: It's recommended to allow at least 4–6 days. Lugu Lake is a place that needs to be savored slowly—two days is too rushed, a week is just right.

Final Thoughts: The Beauty You Can't Take Away

Eight days passed in the blink of an eye. As we packed our bags and prepared to leave, our hearts were filled with reluctance. The summer at Lugu Lake felt like a gentle dream—one we didn't want to wake from. What we took away were thousands of photos in our cameras, half a bottle of sunscreen used from EVA's makeup kit, and the "plateau glow" sunburn on everyone's faces. But what we truly couldn't take away were the laughter, the hugs, and those quiet moments spent staring at the lake.

Thank you, Xiao Bai and Er Gou, for using your lenses to freeze our most beautiful moments. Thank you, EVA, for making us shine in every shot. Thank you, Lao B and Jin Jin, for filling this trip with joy. And most of all, thank you, LaLa and FC—it was your love that gave us a reason to come together and create this unique memory.

If you also long for an extraordinary trip, why not visit Lugu Lake? Bring someone you love, or bring your camera, and go find your own summer there. Remember, life isn't just about the mundane struggles—there's also poetry and the distant Lugu Lake.

Set off—crazily!

This travelogue is copyrighted by @ZY_FC. Any form of reproduction must be authorized by the author.
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