Situated in Hutiaoxia Town (Tiger Leaping Gorge Town), 96km from Shangri-la city and 80km from Lijiang town, Tiger Leaping Gorge originates from Jinsha River in Qinghai. It travels thousands of miles here and surges through the narrow cliffs formed by Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains, creating one of the most famous gorges in the Yangtze River. The name came from a legend that a ferocious tiger jumped over the river once.
Quick Facts about Tiger Leaping Gorge
1.Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the most famous canyons on the planet;
2.Tiger Leaping Gorge has three segments; each has its own charisma;
3.There are two rails for you to hike in Tiger Leaping Gorge;
4.Tiger Leaping Gorge is home to the indigenous Naxi people;
5.Tiger Leaping Gorge is part of a UNESCO site;
Three Segments of Tiger Leaping Gorge
Upper Gorge
Upper Gorge is located 9km from Hutiaoxia Town and it's a narrow section of the whole gorge. The part nearby the Viewing Platform is less than 30m in width. In the center of the water lies a giant boulder in triangle shape dividing the water into two streams, forming deep waves. Legend has it that a tiger jumped from one side of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the side of Haba Snow Mountain with the help of the boulder. Therefore, the rock is called Tiger Leaping Stone. Upper Gorge was developed earlier. There is a plank road that runs down from the roadside to the riverside. It's pretty easy to walk.
Middle Gorge
Located about 8km from the Upper Gorge, the Middle Gorge is comparatively wide. The water is wide open, but with many rapids. When the weather is pleasant, you will see a beautiful scene that sprays of water shimmers like stars when they clash the rocks. Thus, this sect of gorge is also referred as Mantianxing (Full of Stars). The fact is this part of the gorge is the most dangerous part. The road along the gorge is narrow, bumpy, and full of grotesque stones.
Lower Gorge
From the Middle Gorge forward, after passing the rockslide areas, is a vast stretch of river. Water tends to be gentle. It's like a huge water reservoir. This is Lower Gorge. In the far, there is a large piece of rice paddles and villages. From here, Daju county of Lijiang is reachable.
Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
Low Trail
It’s suitable for people who have limited time in Tiger Leaping Gorge as the hiking only involves Middle Gorge. You can ask your driver to drop you off at one of the three intersections and pick you off at the other one. It only takes about a couple of hours.
High Trail
For those who have more than one day at Tiger Leaping Gorge, hiking along the High Trail will be a great choice. It will reward you with a much better view and experience. The high trail starts from the Upper Gorge to Middle Gorge and finally to Lower Gorge.
You will find a road with a sign writing "Hiking" not far from the Tickets Office. This is the starting point of hiking. Following the way, you will pass by a local school and a pristine village. Locals might ask if you need a horse. You can firmly say no if you don’t need it. In about an hour, you will see Naxi Yage Inn and an intersection. The road you need to choose is higher and small. Hiking for another hour, you will reach a store named “28 Turns Gas Station”, which means the toughest part of your hiking is about to begin. The road will be much steeper and narrower. If you are a regular trekker, the highest point “Ganyanfang” is about an hour’s hiking away. So far, you’ve managed the upward hiking, and you can take a moment to savor the stunning views from the top. The following hiking would be easy and pleasant. You will pass the Chama (Tea and Horse) Inn and a pile of rocks. Please watch your steps and follow the upward road to a village.
The next sights presented before your eyes are Longdongshui Waterfall and Guanyin Waterfall. Next, you will get down the mountain to Middle Gorge. You will pass by Tina’s and reach a vast expanse of forest, where the road is still steep. A while later, you will reach the Middle Gorge, where there is a highway connecting the Lower Gorge.
There are three paths for you to reach the riverside from the highway, the same as the Low Trail.
Hiking Tips
1.Late Spring (April - June) and early Autumn (September and October) are the best times to hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge and enjoy the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
2.Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking is very strenuous, please make suitable hiking plans and bring high-calorie food.
3.Be very careful when you pass the Dashengou (Big Trench) Waterfall. Rocks are regularly falling.
4.The rainy season of Diqing Plateau is from June to September every year, during which landslides and rockfall happen a lot. Please avoid these times.
5.Tiger Leaping Gorge is located in a relatively high-altitude area with a big temperature difference. Warm jackets are necessary for the night.
6.In Summer, the ultraviolet can be very intense. Please prepare sun-blocking cream, sunglasses, and hats.
7.Please prepare some cash. You will need it when hiking through some passes built by locals.
8.Please respect the local Naxi people when you pass their villages.
Beautiful Legend
Master Mu, the ruler of Lijiang in ancient times, had a bunch of talents recruited, and there was one person who was particularly good at fortune-telling. Master Mu was told that he will be rich in his early years but die miserably without a coffin. Master Mu was shocked, and he ordered one coffin to be placed every 10 miles wherever he went. On a pleasant day, Master Mu was in a good mood, and he mounted his tiger to Jinsha River. The river was roaring, and the landscape was just beautiful. When they came to the narrow section of the gorge, the tiger took a big leap and landed on the other side of the river. Unfortunately, Master Mu fell into the river. Therefore, people call the place Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Travel Guide
Entrance Ticket: 65RMB/pax;
Opening Hours: 05:30 - 21:00 (Summer Time); 07:00 - 19:30 (Winter Time)
Transportation: You can get to Tiger Leaping Gorge from either Daju Town of Lijiang or Hutiaoxia Town of Shangri-la. If you choose the first option, you will need to enter from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which requires separate tickets for the mountain (180 RMB/pax) and passage of river (50 RMB/pax). However, if you enter from Hutiaoxia Town of Shangri-la, you can avoid the extra ticket fee and start your hiking from Upper Gorge.
Recommended Itinerary: 8-day Yunnan Classic Tour
