Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world's most famous deep river canyons, renowned for its wild, perilous and majestic scenery. It is divided into three sections (Upper,…
Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang · Gisling · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥45
- Time needed
- 0.5–1 day
- Getting there
- Three ways to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge: 1. Shuttle buses to Tiger Leaping Gorge depart from both the Shangri-La and Lijiang bus stations. The fare is ¥40 and the trip takes about 2 hours. 2. From Lijiang, you can also arrange a shared taxi or charter a car to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 242. Open in Google Maps
About Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world's most famous deep river canyons, renowned for its wild, perilous and majestic scenery. It is divided into three sections (Upper, Middle and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge) with 18 dangerous rapids in total. The river flows between the snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon and Haba, with an elevation difference of more than 3,900 metres, making for a truly awe-inspiring sight. Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is 9,000 metres from Tiger Leaping Gorge Town and is the narrowest stretch of the river. The middle section includes a fairly hazardous stretch of trail. Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge connects to Daju in Lijiang.
Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge is a dream for many travellers, as the scenery is even more spectacular when walking upstream against the current, and it is a real test of oneself. In fact, the hike is not as difficult as it might seem: good fitness and determination are all it takes, and endless scenery awaits beyond every steep peak.
Tips from the guidebook
- 1. Preparation: Know your limits and plan accordingly. Bring some high-calorie snacks, such as chocolate and beef jerky.
- 2. Best seasons: April–June and September–October are the best times to visit. Besides hiking and adventure, you can see the meadows of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in full bloom and the enchanting autumn colours of the highlands. From November onward, winter brings heavy snow that can close the mountain passes. Temperatures vary greatly between day and night in the gorge, so bring warm clothing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Tiger Leaping Gorge cost?
Admission to Tiger Leaping Gorge is ¥45, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
How do I get to Tiger Leaping Gorge?
Three ways to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge: 1. Shuttle buses to Tiger Leaping Gorge depart from both the Shangri-La and Lijiang bus stations. The fare is ¥40 and the trip takes about 2 hours. 2. From Lijiang, you can also arrange a shared taxi or charter a car to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
How long should I spend at Tiger Leaping Gorge?
Plan on 0.5–1 day for Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Where is Tiger Leaping Gorge?
Tiger Leaping Gorge is in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, in the Southwest of China.
More places in Lijiang
Shuhe Ancient Town
A miniature version of Lijiang Old Town, but quieter and cosier than Lijiang itself, and especially good for lazing about and soaking up the sun. The ancient town nestles between mountains and rivers, with houses arranged in a pleasing pattern. Clear streams wind alongside the lanes through the village, and water can be channelled to wash the streets. The town was once famous for leather processing, bamboo weaving and other handicrafts. The stone slabs worn smooth by countless hooves and feet still hint at its former prosperity. It is also the birthplace of the Mu tusi (chieftain) family, where you can experience more unspoiled Naxi folk customs.
Shuhe Ancient Town charges an entrance fee, depending on group type: ¥40 per person for tour groups and self-drive travellers; free for independent travellers · 0.5–1 day
Mu Residence
“To the north, the Forbidden City; to the south, the Mu Mansion.” The entire complex is modelled on the layout of Beijing's Forbidden City and has a commanding presence. It reflects the grandeur of Central Plains architecture of the Ming Dynasty while retaining echoes of Tang and Song architecture. The criss-crossing water channels throughout the compound showcase the traditional characteristics of the Bai and Naxi peoples.
¥40 (buying the map lets you stamp a commemorative seal)
Lijiang Old Town
One of the most famous towns along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, with a history of 800 to 900 years. Its wooden houses under grey tiled roofs make the Old Town a delight to wander. Standing on East Street, you can look up and see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. During the Ming Dynasty the Old Town was known as “Dayan Xiang”, named for its resemblance to a large jade inkstone. It has served as a filming location for TV series such as *One Meter Sunshine* (一米阳光) and *Mu Mansion Saga* (木府风云).
Free admission, but a ¥50 Old Town maintenance fee applies · 2–3 days
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people, constantly wreathed in clouds and mist. The snow peaks are majestic yet graceful, and as the seasons change, azaleas blooming at successive altitudes create the mountain's most beautiful scenery. The scenic area includes Yushuizhai, the Glacier Park, Blue Moon Valley and more. The Blue Moon Valley Square also hosts the large-scale live show *Impression Lijiang*.
¥100 (excludes Impression Lijiang, the eco-shuttle and the cable car); round-trip cable car ¥200 · 0.5–1 day
Baoshan Stone Town
Baoshan Stone Town takes its name from the fact that all of its more than 100 local households live on a single mushroom-shaped boulder. Cliffs and sheer rock walls surround the town on three sides, and on the fourth side it drops straight down to the Jinsha River. The only passages are the northern and southern stone gates, making it a true natural fortress. What is especially fascinating is that the stoves, water vats and even the beds here are all carved from stone.
2–3 hours
Laojunshan Mountain
Laojun Mountain is known as the “Ancestor of All Mountains in Yunnan”, its name deriving from the legend that Taishang Laojun, the Taoist deity, once refined elixirs here. Its natural scenery is dominated by alpine meadows, lakes, wildflowers and streams, and it is one of the main components of the Three Parallel Rivers Scenic Area. The area contains the largest and most fully developed Danxia landform in China, which hiking enthusiasts should not miss.
¥70 · 1–2 days