The Best Viewing Platforms of Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) is located in Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is one of the deepest gorges in the world and one of the top ten most beautiful gorges in China. The gorge stretches approximately 23 kilometers, with a drop of 213 meters and a vertical height difference of over 3,900 meters, making it 1,500 meters deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States. Situated at the transition zone between the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (云贵高原) and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原), Tiger Leaping Gorge is a deep V-shaped gorge formed by the cutting of the Jinsha River (金沙江). The gorge is flanked by snow-capped mountains: the Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) on the south bank, standing at 5,596 meters, and the Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) on the north bank, at 5,396 meters. The river roars through the gorge, with the narrowest point being only 30 meters wide. Legend has it that a tiger could leap across the river using a giant rock in the middle, hence the name.

Best Viewing Spots

Tiger Leaping Stone Viewing Platform (虎跳石观景台)

• Location: Located in the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (上虎跳峡) area, it is the core viewing area of the entire scenic spot.
• Scenery: This is the best spot to view the Tiger Leaping Stone (虎跳石). The Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain flank the Jinsha River, which narrows abruptly to just 20-30 meters wide. The Tiger Leaping Stone in the middle of the river splits the roaring waters, creating a spectacular sight as the river crashes against the rock, sending waves several meters high and producing deafening roars. The scene is awe-inspiring, showcasing the raw power of nature.
• Facilities: The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is well-developed, with well-maintained walkways and viewing platforms. Visitors can easily walk close to the Tiger Leaping Stone along the walkways. Rest areas, trash bins, and restrooms are also available for convenience.

Halfway Inn Viewing Platform (Halfway 客栈观景台)

• Location: Situated midway along the high-altitude hiking trail of Tiger Leaping Gorge, it is a must-pass point connecting the Upper and Middle Gorges.
• Scenery: From the inn’s viewing balcony, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire gorge. The towering Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, with their snow-capped peaks glowing golden under the sunlight, form a magnificent landscape alongside the roaring Jinsha River. In the morning, visitors can witness the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain (日照金山)” as the sun rises, while in the evening, the shimmering river under the sunset is equally mesmerizing.
• Experience: The Halfway Inn is a key rest stop for hikers, where travelers from around the world can share their experiences. The inn also offers dining and accommodation services, allowing visitors to relax while enjoying the stunning views.

Longdong Waterfall (龙洞瀑布)

• Location: Located in the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (中虎跳峡), accessible via hiking trails from Teacher Zhang’s Inn (张老师客栈) or the Ladder Inn (天梯客栈).
• Scenery: Formed by melted snow from Haba Snow Mountain, the waterfall cascades down steep cliffs like a white dragon plunging into the Jinsha River. Under the sunlight, the splashing water creates beautiful rainbows, complementing the rugged gorge scenery. The clear, green pool at the base of the waterfall, surrounded by jagged rocks, adds to the pristine natural beauty.
• Tips: The hiking trail to Longdong Waterfall is rugged and steep, requiring physical stamina. Visitors should wear anti-slip shoes, follow signs and guides, and avoid straying from the designated path.

Preparation

Clothing

• Summer: Due to large temperature differences, prepare long-sleeved jackets, windbreakers, lightweight thermal wear, and comfortable hiking or sports shoes.
• Autumn and Winter: Bring thick clothing such as down jackets, heavy coats, thermal underwear, and warm hats and scarves.

Essentials

• Backpack: A 20-30L hiking backpack is recommended.
• Other Items: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, rain gear (raincoat or foldable umbrella), thermos, power bank, trekking poles, knee pads, etc.

Medications

• Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness pills, painkillers, band-aids, mosquito repellent, and essential oils.

Miscellaneous

• Cash: Carry some cash in case mobile payment is unavailable.
• Navigation and Maps: Download Gaode Maps (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图), and follow the “Shangri-La Life” (香格里拉悠生活) mini-program for updated scenic area information and hiking routes.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation

• By Air:
  • Arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场): Take an airport shuttle to Lijiang city, then transfer to a bus to Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇).
  • Arrive at Diqing Shangri-La Airport (迪庆香格里拉机场): Take an airport shuttle to Shangri-La city, then transfer to a bus or chartered car to Hutiaoxia Town.
• By Train: Arrive at Lijiang Railway Station (丽江站), then take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Hutiaoxia Town.

Internal Transportation

• Bus: Direct buses from Lijiang Bus Station to Hutiaoxia Town run multiple times daily. Tickets can also be purchased via the “Shangri-La Life” mini-program.
• Chartered Car: Available in Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城) or Shangri-La city, offering flexibility and shared costs.
• Self-Driving: Navigate to “Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area (虎跳峡景区)” via Lixiang Highway (丽香公路). Be cautious of road conditions during the rainy season.

Attractions

Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (上虎跳峡)

• Features: Well-developed with viewing platforms and walkways, suitable for family trips.
• Highlights: Close-up views of the Tiger Leaping Stone and the roaring river.
• Duration: 1-2 hours.

Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (中虎跳峡)

• Features: The essence of the hiking route, with narrow gorges, rapid currents, Longdong Waterfall, and Guanyin Waterfall (观音瀑布).
• Hiking Routes:
  • High Road: Naxi Family Guesthouse (纳西雅阁) → 28 Bends (28道拐) → Tea Horse Inn (茶马客栈) → Halfway Inn → Tina’s Inn → Middle Gorge.
  • Regular Route: Scenic Area Ticket Office → Teacher Zhang’s Inn → Middle Gorge.
• Duration: 2-3 hours.

Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge (下虎跳峡)

• Features: Undeveloped area with pristine natural beauty, suitable for experienced hikers.
• Tips: The route is long and complex; proceed with caution.

Recommended Itineraries

One-Day Tour (For Time-Constrained Visitors)

• Morning:
  • Take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Hutiaoxia Town (1.5 hours).
  • Visit the Upper Gorge viewing platform to see the Tiger Leaping Stone and take photos (1-2 hours).
• Noon: Enjoy local cuisine like yak meat and barley pancakes at nearby restaurants.
• Afternoon:
  • Hike the Middle Gorge High Road from Naxi Family Guesthouse to Tea Horse Inn (2 hours).
  • Return to the ticket office and take a bus back to Hutiaoxia Town.
• Evening: Return to Lijiang or Shangri-La.

Multi-Day Tour (For Hiking Enthusiasts)

• Day 1:
  • Depart from Lijiang to Hutiaoxia Town.
  • Hike from Naxi Family Guesthouse to Tea Horse Inn (3 hours).
  • Continue to Halfway Inn for overnight stay and enjoy the gorge’s night view.
• Day 2:
  • Hike from Halfway Inn to Tina’s Inn (2 hours).
  • Descend to the Middle Gorge via the Ladder or Teacher Zhang’s trail to view the Tiger Leaping Stone up close (2 hours).
  • Stay overnight at Tina’s Inn or continue to Walnut Garden Inn (核桃园人家).
• Day 3:
  • Return to Hutiaoxia Town and take a bus back to Lijiang or Shangri-La.

Accommodation Options

• Near Upper Gorge: Convenient for non-hikers.
• Halfway Inn: Midway along the hiking route with panoramic views.
• Tina’s Inn: Close to the Middle Gorge with excellent facilities.
• Walnut Garden Inn: Experience local culture at affordable prices.

Food Recommendations

• Yak Meat: Tender and flavorful, try yak meat hotpot or grilled yak meat.
• Barley Pancakes: A traditional Tibetan snack, crispy and sweet.
• Jinsha River Fish: Fresh river fish, available grilled or stewed (ensure legal sourcing).

Precautions

• Safety First: Watch your step while hiking, especially near cliffs during the rainy season.
• Environmental Awareness: Keep the area clean; do not litter.
• Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of local customs and traditions.
• Ticket Information: Entrance fee is 45 RMB, open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

conclusion