Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan
● Chinese name: Hutiao Xia 虎跳峡
● Type: Gorges & Canyons, Nature
● Keywords: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Hikking, Lijiang spot
● Altitude: about 1800m
● Best Time: April to June, September to October
● Recommended Visiting Hours: about 3 hours
● Recommended Time for Hiking: 2 days
● Opening Hours: 09:00~16:30
● Admission Fee: 65 RMB for lijiang part
● Address: Shangri-La and Lijiang
● Chinese name: Hutiao Xia 虎跳峡
● Type: Gorges & Canyons, Nature
● Keywords: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Hikking, Lijiang spot
● Altitude: about 1800m
● Best Time: April to June, September to October
● Recommended Visiting Hours: about 3 hours
● Recommended Time for Hiking: 2 days
● Opening Hours: 09:00~16:30
● Admission Fee: 65 RMB for lijiang part
● Location: Shangri-La and Lijiang
Why is Tiger Leaping Gorge So Special?
Once upon Lijiang, Yunnan China, as the top 10 hiking destination, you will never miss the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
In the hikking process of Tiger Leaping Gorge, you will through some of the most naturally beautiful and diverse landscapes in a close and far distance period.
Tiger Leaping Gorge is spectacular and crown as the deepest gorge in the world. Foreign backpackers started hiking in the area in the 1980s and now Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour has been one of the most famous hiking tour all around the world. From the top of Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can look down the steeply angled (70-90 degrees) mountain sides to the rushing Jinsha River with its 18 frothing rapids more than 200 meters below.
How to Get in Tiger Leaping Gorge
•By Vehicle: fast and convinient
1.Take bus from Lijiang Transport Service Center Bus Station to Tiger Leaping Gorge. It departs at 08:00 and 08:30 every morning and takes around 1.5 – 2 hours to reach there.
2. Charter a car from Lijiang. It costs around CNY 300 to 400 per day.
3. The Gorge is located between Lijiang and Shangri-La, so visitors can take the inter-city buses of the two and ask the driver to drop you off at the gorge.
From Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge: At Lijiang Bus Station, travelers can take bus to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge at 08:00 and 08:30. For travelers who want to get to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge,
you can first reach Hutiaoxia Town and then hire a car to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. Hutiaoxia Town is 9 km from Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge and 33 km from Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. Also, buses are available at Lijiang Bus Station to Daju. It takes about 2 hours from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge. To leave Tiger Leaping Gorge, travelers can takes buses from Tina’s House, Hutiaoxia Town and Daju.
From Shangri-La to Tiger Leaping Gorge: At Shangri-La Long-distance Bus Station, travelers can take bus to Hutiaoxia Town first and the hire a car to Upper or Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. It takes about 2 hours to Hutiaoxia Town. There is no direct bus to from Shangri-La to Daju.
• Hiking: High Path or Gravel Road, strenuous but more fun
1. It’s quite popular to hike along the gorge, and you can follow the signs made by other visitors along the way.
2. This is a great sightseeing stop with enormous photo opportunities. But the Tiger Leaping Gorge tour is long, so you are not suggested to bring many bags. Bring your camera, wear skidproof shoes, and be prepared to be astonished. Besides, 1-2 bottles of water are necessary.
3. Some difficulties may occur in the hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can choose to ride the local horse on the way.
4. The best time to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge is April – June and September & October due to the good weather condition.
Where is Tiger Leaping Gorge?
About 100 km north from Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge is precisely located between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山, in the Yulong Naxi County, part of the city-prefecture area of Lijiang) and the Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山, in the the Shangri-La County, part of the Diqing prefecture).
Tiger Leaping Gorge Four Sections
Tiger Leaping Gorge consists of 4 sections: The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Lijiang Section, The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Shangri-La Section, The Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge and The Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang Section
The Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Lijiang Side) (上虎跳峡丽江段) is well-developed with nearly 5.2 km of round trip walkway and a prefered spot for most visitors. Located about 9 km (5.750 miles) away from the Qiaotou Village, the Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge is the narrowest section. There is a huge rock lying in the center of the river; dividing the riptide into two parts. It is said that a tiger once leapt from the east bank, clearing the rock, to land on the west bank. The name of the rock “Tiger Leaping Gorge Rock” comes from the legend.
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La Section
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La Section(上虎跳峡-香格里拉段) is face to The Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Lijiang Side). Lijiang Scetion and Shangri-La Section sahre the wonderful Tiger Leaping Stone and Middle Rapids in the middle of Yangtze River. Upper Gorge is 9 kilometers from Hutiaoxia Town. The famous scenic areas of the Upper Gorge are the mouth of Tiger Leaping Gorge, making it the narrowest section. The hiking trail is plank road which is are suitable for hiking no matter you are elder or young people. It takes about two hours to hike Upper Gorge.
Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge
Middle Gorge is 33 kilometers from Hutiaoxia Town. Hike downhill from Zhang’s Guesthouse, then you need to hike about 1~2 hours to the bottom of the gorge – Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. There are two famous high ladders connecting upper place to lower place because of no available road. Get down to the river side, you will see the Jinshan River shrinks in a narrow valley, and get blocked by several huge stones. Listen to the deafening voice of water flapping at the stones, and explore the nearby. From the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, you have two choices: back to Tina’s House or Halfway Guesthouse, and transfer back, or keep hiking to next destination – Hetaoyuan. For those who are hike down from Zhang’s Guesthouse to the Middle Gorge and transfer back via high lappers, it takes about 3 hours all the way. For the road is steep and muddy, please consider your physical condition if you want to hike this path.
Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge
Lower Gorge is 5 km away from Daju. It is less crowded and traveled by less people. Travelers can hike from Daju to Lower Gorge or from Middle Gorge to Lower Gorge. If you come from Middle Gorge, it takes 3 hours from Yixiantian to Hetaoyuan. After get to new ferry dock, get a ferry across to Daju. A scenic and relaxing journey ends to the hike.
Legends of Tiger Leaping Gorge
It is said that a hunter was chasing a tiger through the gorge many years ago. When it reached the narrowest point the tiger leapt across the Jinsha River, escaping the furious hunter. The rock where the tiger made its jump is now an iconic viewing point.
There is another legend that a rich Lijiang ruler, Lord Mu, rode on his tiger to go along the side of Jinsha River one day. He and tiger went to a relatively narrow area, the tiger leaped to a large rock in the center of the river. The tiger landed but Lord Mu was not landing at the same time and had dropped into a rolling river. Time has passed, there left a tiger leaping stone for future generations.
Recommended Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Routes
| Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Routes | Time |
| • Lijiang – Qiaotou – High Trail – Middle Tiger Leaping Stone – Ferry – Daju – Yulong Snow Mountain (Maoniuping) – Lijiang | 3-4 Days |
| • Lijiang – Qiaotou – High Trail – Middle Tiger Leaping Stone / Upper Tiger Leaping Stone – Qiaotou – Lijiang / Zhongdian | 2 Days |
| • Lijiang – Qiaotou – High Trail – Middle Tiger Leaping Stone – Baishuitai , Haba Village – Zhongdian | 3-4 Days |
What to Visit in Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Middle Tiger Leaping Stone
This sight is located more than 500 meters vertically down from Tina’s Guesthouse.
Daju is situated past Walnut Grove at the northeast end of Tiger Leaping Gorge, on a large flat shelf of land on the opposite side of the Jinsha River from the Tiger Leaping Gorge trails.
What to Eat in Tiger Leaping Gorge
All of the guesthouses provide local food and simple western food because it has been a long history of Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking for international tourists.These tourists taught local people how to cook western food with local food.So it is very convenient to enjoy very nice food along the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Where to Stay in Tiger Leaping Gorge
There are a lot of hostels along the hiking route of Tiger Leaping Gorge, here are some hostels recommended by Yunnan Exploration and Yunnan Adventure.
Tinas International Youth Hostel(中峡国际青年旅舍/中峡客栈)
Naxi Family Guesthouse（纳西雅阁）
Sean’s Spring Guest house（山泉客栈）
Woody Guesthouse (山白脸客栈)
Zhuoma Guesthouse (卓玛客栈)
Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse (张老师客栈)
Halfway Guesthouse (中途客栈)
Daju Guesthouse (大具客栈)
Influential Persons in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tina Tian(田姐), the boss of Tina’s International Youth Hostel;
Feng Jiangpei(冯将培), the boss of Halfway Guesthouse;
Li Yuan(李元), the boss of Naxi Family Guesthouse;
Xia Shanquan(夏山泉), the boss of Sean’s Spring Guest house
Attractions List in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Hetaoyuan Village
Bendiwan Village
Nuoyu Village
28 Zigzag Turns
The Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Lijiang Side)
The Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangrila Side)
The Middle Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge
The Lower Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge
Guanyin Waterfall of Tiger Leaping Gorge
The Sky Ladder
Changsheng Village
Yixiantian
Bamboo Forest
The Middle Stone and Middle Rapids
Yachaguo Village
Guanyin Temple
Xincun Village
Daju Ferry
Daju Town
Hutiaoxia Town
Haba Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Three Parallel Rivers Natural Reserve in Yunnan Province
Nearby Attractions
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a mountain massif near Lijiang. It is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. There are 13 peaks all together and the group of mountains stretches about 35 kilometers from north to south. The highest peak is named Shanzidou at an altitude of 5,596m. On the eastern side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, there is a deep valley where the Yangtze River runs. Tiger Leaping Gorge is in the northern part of the valley and Yuhu Village Is located in the south of the valley. Travelers can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain over Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yuhu Village, Black Dragon Pool Park and other locations.
Haba Snow Mountain
Haba Snow Mountain is a mountain in southeast of Shangri-La, rising above the northwest side of Tiger Leaping Gorge, opposite off Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with the highest peak of 5,396 m. It boasts glaciers, lakes and waterfalls and contains one of the best preserved nature reserves. Each year from June to August, millions of azaleas are in blossom. To avoid the rainy season, the best time to travel Haba Snow Mountain is mid-March to June, mid-September to mid-December.
Useful Travel Tips
1. Best Time to Travel
April, May and June in the Gorge is the finest time for hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge with crisp air. September, October are the second best time to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge. June to August is the rainy season and the road is sloppy. Try to avoid the rainy season. After October the weather turns to cold, if you want to go, bring warm clothes.
2. What to Pack
Due to the mountainous steep and narrow road, a pair comfortable strong walking shoes are very necessary. Also pack light shirts and warm jacket. It is sunny, and gets hot easily because of hiking. While in the night, it is usually cold and windy. Before hiking, remember to pack with some water. An alpenstock is also necessary. You can also take a flashlight for the possible outage of electricity. A pair of gloves is helpful when passing some steep roads. Sun creams are MUST to prevent from the strong sunlight. Bring raincoat during the rainy season.
3. Accommodation Tips
There are many guest houses along the hiking trails, but the facilities are basic as this region is rural and far from cities. Convenient highways connect many villages. There are public washrooms, bathing room and hot water supply. The prices are ranging from 30 RMB to 200 RMB differing by facilities and location. Most guest house offer Chinese food. Some better guest houses also provide some basic western food and drinks.
4. Safety
Follow the high trail rather than the low trail. The high trail is no any problem for hiking. If you are independent travelers, try to find a local guide to go with you. They are experienced and know the way which will make you safe.
The Most Popular Tours Packages of Tiger Leaping Gorge
1 Day Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Lijiang Part)
1 Day The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Shangri-La Part)
1 Day Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Group Tour (Finishing in Lijiang or Shangri-La)
1 Day Tiger Leaping Gorge Highlight Hiking Tour from Bendiwan Village to Tina’s Hostel
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Group Tour (Back to Lijiang from Hetaoyuan Village)
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Tour with Daju Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
3 Days The First Bend of Yangtze River Rafting and Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour From Qiaotou Town to Haba Village
4 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
5 Days Lijiang City Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
6 Days Lijiang Hiking Tour around Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
7 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Paradise Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
9 Days Kunming Dali Lijiang and Shangri-La Classic Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
When I hit the web by accident, the photo of The Tiger Leaping Gorge came into my view. The spectacular and magnificent scenic spot attracted my attention for the moment. So, I decided to check it out. The actual scene is far more impressive than that in the photos. Located between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Haba Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, the steeply angled mountain, sides to the rushing Jinsha River with its 18 frothing rapids more than 200 meters below. I stayed at Sean’s Spring Guest house. With modern design, spacious rooms and suites, and attentive service, this is where luxury and pleasure come together. Best of all, I can look out onto a dramatic 2000m cliff just from the terrace! During my two days hiking, I hiked along the gorge, visited the Middle Tiger Leaping Stone, and enjoyed local food. The convenient transportation and clear travel route made me have a good sense of experience.
It is indeed a great scenic spot. stunning and beautiful ,if you want to hike, this would be a good choice. The upper section of Tiger Leaping Gorge is great for those who want to relax, it’s a scenic and interesting walk. If you are vigouous, my advice would be the middle section, although it is a long walk and the path is muddy, when you get to the bottom of the gorge you will feel that it was all worth it,and it’s quiet strenous.
A spectacular journey! We did a hike with astonishing nature, gorgeous views and amazing scenery in the upper and middle sections of the gorge. The lower section is not quite beautiful as, but still worth to visit. The whole route is quite long, so we split it over two days to make it easier. There are many guest houses with basic facilities along the hiking trail, so you don’t need a tent.
Fortunately, this truly breathtaking spot is actually easily accessible. We took a bus from Lijiang Bus station to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge for 2 hours. There also are many options to Tiger Leaping Gorge available, if you want.
As someone who has had the pleasure of visiting Tiger Leaping Gorge, I can confidently say that it is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. The sheer size and magnificence of the gorge are breathtaking, with its towering cliffs and rushing waters. The hiking trails are challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape at every turn. One of the highlights of my visit was watching the mighty Jinsha River as it thundered through the gorge, and witnessing the famous Tiger Leaping Rock, which is said to be the spot where a tiger could easily leap across the river. The beauty of the gorge is truly awe-inspiring and it’s easy to see why it has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Aside from the natural beauty, the people who live in the surrounding villages are also a highlight of the experience. They are warm and welcoming, eager to share their way of life and culture with visitors. Overall, my visit to Tiger Leaping Gorge was an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of China.
The majestic mountainsthe valleysthe rushing streams
Treading carefully over the gravel path
Brush past the oncoming goat
The top of the mountain is steep and steep
The river below the vertical cliff also roared through
Here is the ceiling on foot-Tiger Leaping Gorge
The Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La is the most thrilling gorge I have ever seen.
The torrent of the tiger howling and the dragon song is extremely shocking
In the rainy seasonthe rapids flood the lower walkway.
Where the visual and auditory can be greatly satisfied
Come to Tiger Leaping Gorge to feel the power of nature’s ghost axe and the insignificance of human beings
If there is heaven on earth, that must be Shangri-La, a place of great beauty and mystery! I first encountered the place “Shangri-La” in the novel Lost Horizon and was deeply impressed by this holy land. And my field trip to Shangri-La, Yunnan was far more impressive and satisfactory! Being immersed in nature with snow-capped mountains, jade-green lakes, snow-white clouds and colorful flowers, I felt great inner peace and tranquility here. By the way, I am a hiking enthusiast. The Tiger Leaping Gorge really suits my appetite. Surging torrents, precipitous cliffs and the unique topography make the Tiger Leaping Gorge a spectacular spot, and its magnificence is beyond words. Moreover, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the website of Yunnan Exploration. Such a considerate website provides me with comprehensive and elaborate information from the introduction to renowned scenic spots, well-tailored tour itineraries, diversified traffic route schemes to recommended travelling seasons, accommodations and thoughtful safety tips. A four-day trip in Shangri-La brings me precious lifelong memories!
Take 2 days Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking tour from Lijiang and travel to Haba Snow Mountain for 2 days climbing adventure, trip to Shangri-La at last.
Tiger Leaping Gorge, nestled approximately 100 kilometers north of Lijiang, stands majestically between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (part of Lijiang’s Yulong Naxi Autonomous County) and the Haba Snow Mountain (in Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture). As a foreign traveler, I was awestruck by its breathtaking beauty. The hiking trails offer various itineraries, each a unique blend of adventure and serenity. The ease of access, whether by public bus, private car, or intercity shuttle, makes this destination all the more appealing. Tiger Leaping Gorge is more than just a scenic spot; it’s a journey into nature’s heart, leaving an indelible impression on every visitor.
Exploring Tiger Leaping Gorge between Shangri-La and Lijiang was an exhilarating journey. Known as one of the world’s deepest gorges, its dramatic scenery and the roaring Jinsha River are truly awe-inspiring. The hiking trails offer spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and the powerful river below, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The gorge is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Gorge. The Upper Gorge is easily accessible and provides breathtaking vistas, while the Middle Gorge offers a more challenging trek with equally stunning scenery. The legend of a tiger leaping across the gorge adds a mystical touch to the experience.
Overall, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of nature and a touch of cultural legend. The sheer scale and majesty of the gorge make it an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Yunnan.