In the Kingdom of Women

Three generations of Mosuo women in Lige, one of the less commercialised villages around the shore of Lake Lugu Photograph: Luca Locatelli/LUZphoto

A view of Lugu Lake – the anthropologist Joseph Rock called it the 'lake of Grace' because of its remarkable beauty Photograph: Luca Locatelli/LUZphoto

'The water is clear and clean and the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful – it’s perfect': Mosuo women row across Lugu Lake in a traditional canoe made of driftwood Photograph: Luca Locatelli/LUZphoto

A Mosuo woman wearing a tribal headdress embellished with silk flowers Photograph: Luca Locatelli/LUZphoto

By custom, the Mosuo women work the land while men rear animals and take care of the children’s education Photograph: Luca Locatelli/LUZphoto

Namu, 27, speaks Chinese and is learning English. She has a strong sense of tradition, but enjoys the internet, pop music and fashion. She has recently opened her own guest house, cooking for visitors and organising canoe-tours of the lake. She says she’s in love with someone at the moment, but knows she can’t marry him because of Mosuo traditions Photograph: Luca Locatelli/LUZphoto

The tranquil shores of Lake Lugu Photograph: Luca Locatelli/LUZphoto