Hutiaoxia Town in Shangri-la City, Diqing
Location
Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇) is situated in southeastern Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), between:
- Latitude: 26°54′～27°30′N
- Longitude: 99°39′～100°01′E
Bordering:
- Longpan Township (龙蟠乡) across Jinsha River to the east
- Diqing Economic Development Zone to the south
- Sanba Township (三坝乡) and Xiaozhongdian Town (小中甸镇) to the north
- Jinjiang Town (金江镇) to the west
The town government seat at Xiaqiaotou (下桥头) sits at 1,853m elevation, 97km from the county center.
Cultural Heritage
A multi-ethnic region featuring:
- 9 ethnic groups (Han, Yi, Lisu, Naxi, Tibetan, Bai, Pumi, Miao, Hui)
- 82% minority population
- Historic Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) passage
- Traditional Naxi clothing resembling Lijiang (丽江) styles
Ethnic Traditions
Naxi Costumes:
- Men: High-collar jackets with wide-leg trousers
- Women: Sleeveless vests over wide-sleeved blouses
Festivals:
- Plowing Festival
- Water Deity Worship
- Danba Festival
- Mountain Deity Horse Racing
Attractions
Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡):
- One of world’s deepest gorges
- Three sections: Upper, Middle, Lower
- Part of “Western Yunnan Shangri-La Ecotourism Zone”
Twelve Railings (十二栏杆):
- Historic cliffside path along Tea Horse Road
Transportation
By Car: 97km via National Highway 214 from Shangri-La
Public Bus: Available from Shangri-La Bus Station (香格里拉客运站)
Cuisine
Naxi specialties:
- Butter tea
- Barley wine
- Tsampa
- Naxi grilled fish
Local delicacy:
- Niru Schizothorax (尼汝裂腹鱼) (protected species)
Hiking Routes
World-class trails:
- Qiaotou-Naxi Lodge-28 Bends-Shanmei Inn-Halfway-Tina’s-Ladder-Teacher Zhang’s-Middle Gorge-One Sky-Walnut Garden-Old Ferry-Daju
- Qiaotou-Upper Gorge-Canyon Road-Tina’s-One Sky/Ladder/Teacher Zhang’s-Halfway-28 Bends-Naxi Lodge-Qiaotou
Accommodation
Local Inns: Basic but clean options
Camping: Designated sites along trails
Travel Tips
- Practice eco-friendly tourism
- Sun protection at high altitude
- Acclimate to elevation
- Respect local customs
This destination combines spectacular natural wonders with vibrant ethnic culture, offering unforgettable experiences for hikers and cultural explorers alike.
